ANGOLA — West Noble combined a strong second-half rushing attack with a championship-clinching defensive stand Friday night, rallying past host Angola 14-7 to capture the NECC Big School Division title. The Chargers improved to 7-1 overall and completed division play with a perfect 4-0 record. Xy’Mire Barnes-Bridges led the West Noble ground attack with 108 yards and two touchdowns on 18 carries, averaging six yards per attempt. Behind outstanding blocking from the Charger offensive line, the junior delivered both scores after halftime to turn a seven-point deficit into a championship victory. Angola struck first when Landen Bussard scored on an eight-yard run with 1:40 remaining in the second quarter. The extra point gave the Hornets a 7-0 advantage heading into halftime. West Noble answered late in the third quarter. Barnes-Bridges broke loose for a 21-yard touchdown run with 1:50 remaining, and senior kicker Marco Macias converted the extra point to tie the game at 7-7. The Chargers took the lead early in the fourth quarter when Barnes-Bridges powered into the end zone from four yards out with 10:21 remaining. Macias added his second extra point to put West Noble ahead 14-7. His booming kickoffs also helped put the Hornets in challenging field position throughout the contest. Quarterback Jackson Christlieb completed 14 of 18 passes for 82 yards. Caleb Saggars was his leading target, hauling in seven receptions for 47 yards to support the Charger offense. Defensively, West Noble kept Angola off the scoreboard throughout the second half and delivered its biggest play in the final minute. With the Hornets threatening to tie the game, the Chargers held firm near the goal line before Brayden Limerick intercepted a fourth-and-goal pass to seal the victory. Bussard paced Angola with 108 rushing yards on 14 carries, while Hornet quarterback Garrett Sorgen completed seven of 13 passes for 88 yards and an interception. West Noble returns to Charger Hill next Friday to host Prairie Heights and celebrate Senior Night. Congratulations to the Chargers on a hard-fought victory and the NECC Big School Division championship! Stats https://pressboxstats.com/gamecast/19343