---
title: "Irmo falls to North Augusta 25-16 in region opener"
url: https://www.hereirmo.com/2026/10/05/irmo-falls-north-augusta-25-16/
date: 2026-10-05T08:30:18-04:00
modified: 2026-10-05T08:30:26-04:00
author: "Cedric Keller"
categories: ["Sports"]
site: "HERE Irmo"
attribution: "HERE Irmo"
---

# Irmo falls to North Augusta 25-16 in region opener

*Source: [HERE Irmo](https://www.hereirmo.com/2026/10/05/irmo-falls-north-augusta-25-16/) — October 5, 2026 by Cedric Keller*

Irmo fell 25-16 to North Augusta on Friday night at W.C. Hawkins Stadium, dropping to 3-3 after back-to-back losses. North Augusta improved to 6-1 and stretched its winning streak to six games in a Region 5-4A opener that stayed tied into the fourth quarter.

The visitors broke a 16-16 deadlock with nine unanswered points after halftime. With 3:41 left, Deandre Darden returned an interception 37 yards for the go-ahead touchdown. North Augusta's defense held Irmo scoreless in the second half and forced three turnovers. Jayden Hatcher and Collin Tillman accounted for North Augusta's first-half touchdowns.

Special-teams miscues hurt the home side: a kick-return fumble, a blocked extra point, and a safety after a blocked punt. Tai Phillips still ran for 110 yards for Irmo. Coach Aaron Brand said the region race remains early but framed Friday as a chance the Yellow Jackets let slip. North Augusta coach Richard Bush called the road win a big result for his program. Irmo next travels to South Aiken on Friday; North Augusta hosts South Aiken on Oct. 16.