IRVINE – It was so close, Irvine could taste it, touch it, feel it. But they couldn’t keep it.

With seconds ticking away, an upset of Troy disappeared with a late whistle and a high pass into the end zone.

The Iota League delivered drama on Friday as two teams vying for first place went to the wire. But it was Troy that navigated the tightrope in a 21-20 victory at Irvine High.

The win by Troy (8-1 overall, 4-0 in league) sets up a winner-take-all meeting next week against El Toro (6-3, 4-0) for the league title. Irvine dropped to 6-3, 2-2.

“We needed a game that really challenged us, and these guys did,” Troy coach Michael Echaves said. “They play us so tough. They’re a really good football team.”

Troy took a 21-14 lead with 6:11 remaining after a 13-play, 70-yard drive that leaned h

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