Lee's late touchdown pass lifts the Tritons

Minus its quarterback, Palos Verdes falls to Oxnard Pacifica in the Division 3 title game.

- BY BENJAMIN ROYER

OXNARD PACIFICA quarterback Taylor Lee rolls out as he looks for a receiver during the Division 3 final.

(Nick Koza For The Times)

Oxnard Pacifica was in uncharted waters, deep in a battle of the low-scoring variety that the Tritons — who averaged 42.9 points per game this season — often avoided.

Palos Verdes was up for it. On its home turf — with stadium lights rented for the night’s occasion — the Sea Kings held a late lead after trusty kicker Niko Dragin connected from 28 yards with 9:44 remaining in the fourth quarter.

Tritons quarterback Taylor Lee didn't have to hold his breath for long. The junior finally got one of his passes to drop into the arms of a receiver on a four-play, 61-yard drive that made Pacifica the Southern Section champion for the second consecutive season, the Tritons defeating Palos Verdes 20-10 on Friday night for the Division 3 crown.