LIGONIER — West Noble came through when it mattered most Friday night, earning a thrilling 20-14 victory over Fairfield in a hard-fought NECC Big School Division battle on Charger Hill for the 2026 Homecoming game. The win improves the Chargers to 5-1 overall and 2-0 in the NECC Big School Division. West Noble struck first when Xy’Mire Barnes-Bridges powered into the end zone on a four-yard run with 6:42 remaining in the opening quarter. Marco Macias added the extra point for a 7-0 lead. Fairfield answered late in the quarter on a 21-yard touchdown run by Fairfield, sending the teams into halftime tied 7-7. The Falcons grabbed their first lead midway through the third quarter when they broke loose for a 42-yard touchdown run, making it 14-7. The Chargers responded quickly. Jackson Christlieb scored on a three-yard run, and Macias' extra point tied the game at 14. With the game hanging in the balance, Christlieb delivered again. The junior quarterback raced 15 yards for the go-ahead touchdown with 7:40 remaining, giving West Noble a 20-14 advantage. From there, the Chargers protected the lead and finished off a memorable conference victory. Barnes-Bridges led the West Noble rushing attack with 116 yards and a touchdown on 20 carries, averaging 5.8 yards per attempt. Christlieb added 39 rushing yards and two touchdowns while completing 10 of 15 passes for 85 yards. Brayden Limerick was the Chargers' leading receiver with three catches for 57 yards, including a 36-yard reception. The Chargers finished with 251 total yards, committed no fumbles and forced a Fairfield fumble. Macias also provided a major boost on special teams, recording three touchbacks on four kickoffs. It was the type of physical, four-quarter battle expected in conference play, and the Chargers found a way to finish. FINAL: West Noble 20, Fairfield 14 West Noble moves to 5-1 overall and 2-0 in the NECC Big School Division as the Chargers continue an impressive start to the 2026 season. The Chargers travel to Lakeland next Friday for another NECC Big School division contest. Great win, Chargers!