Self-inflicted wounds prove costly as North Augusta tops Irmo, 25–16

North Augusta did not need a track meet to win on Irmo’s field. The Yellow Jackets’ self-inflicted mistakes opened the door, and North Augusta’s defense kept it open long enough to leave with a 25–16 victory.

North Augusta struck first after Irmo’s Delreco Eady Jr. muffed a punt return. Jayden Hatcher, wearing No. 3, finished the short field with a touchdown to give the visitors the early edge.

Irmo answered without hesitation. Freshman Semaj China, No. 20, gave the Yellow Jackets a huge return to start the response, and junior quarterback Britton Davis capped the drive with a touchdown.

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Irmo takes the halftime edge

The teams traded touchdowns in the second quarter. Davis connected with Irmo’s Delreco Eady Jr., No. 15, for a touchdown reception, but North Augusta blocked the extra-point attempt. North Augusta quarterback Collin Tillman answered with a touchdown pass to junior wide receiver/tight end Kydre Wright.

Irmo closed the half with Isaiah Motton’s field goal, sending the Yellow Jackets into halftime with a 16–14 lead and the momentum.

North Augusta’s defense changes the game

The second half belonged to North Augusta’s defense. A blocked punt resulted in a safety, cutting into Irmo’s advantage and keeping the visitors within striking distance.

Late in the third quarter, North Augusta’s No. 22, Deante Darden, intercepted Davis and took the ball back for a pick-six. The defensive touchdown provided the game’s only second-half touchdown and put North Augusta in control.

After a strong North Augusta punt pinned Irmo inside its own 10-yard line, the pressure mounted again. Davis was called for intentional grounding from inside the tackle box, giving North Augusta the final two points of the night and sealing the 25–16 road win.

What comes next

Irmo now turns its attention to South Aiken, with the Yellow Jackets left to clean up the mistakes that kept them from finishing a winnable home game.

North Augusta carries the defensive momentum into its bye week. A road win built on pressure, special teams and opportunistic defense gives the Yellow Jackets plenty to build on while they wait for their next game.