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.
