Outside Mesquite coach Steve Halpin's office sits an impressive trophy case, filled with plaques and awards from seasons past. But eyes almost immediately find a picture of a few Mesquite players hoisting the Class 5A Division I state championship trophy in 2001.

Underneath the picture, in bold letters, is written, "Mesquite 14, San Antonio Taft 13."

A low-scoring affair, just like Halpin likes it.

"Philosophically, we've always played defense first," Halpin said. "In '01, we had a great defense. This year, we're on the verge of becoming a great defense, but we're not there yet."

Under Halpin and defensive coordinator David Norris, Mesquite has won year after year with a little offense and a dominant defense. This season is no exception. The unit ranks fifth among area 5A teams, allowing 222.2 yards per game.

But junior defensive back Marcus Trice knows the defense has come a long way, remembering the first two games of the season.

"I think we got a little too focused on our rankings," Trice said. "We weren't being as humble as we should be."

What Trice called a lack of humility translated into 38.5 points and 361 yards allowed in the first two games, both losses.

The team's senior leaders called a team meeting, using injured senior running back Jeremy Hernandez as a rallying point.

"We had an inspirational talk," senior defensive tackle Anthony Dewberry said. "We shared tears and everything. We knew something had to change."

And something did change. After a close loss to Abilene, Mesquite rolled to five consecutive wins, clinching a playoff spot in the process.

The reason? In its last six games, Mesquite's opponents are managing just 8.2 points per game.

"We've got one word: renegades," Dewberry said. "Renegades fly to the ball. Renegades hit hard, and on a tackle, we're all on the tackle. There are no solo tackles."

The "renegade" mentality comes from the immense pride in the tradition of Mesquite's defense. Trice said that players from past Mesquite teams often come back to remind the current squad to maintain the institution of the Mesquite defense, but that it's his teammates, not the past players, who inspire great play.

MILTON HINNANT/DMN

Defensive tackle K.K. Francis has helped Mesquite's defense post three shutouts in the team's last five games.

"We've known that we want to play for Mesquite High, that we've wanted to play defense for Mesquite High since we were knee-high from a tree stump," Trice said. "These guys are my brothers. It's fun being around the guys, especially when we're pitching shutouts and making big plays."

Mesquite's defense has a unique mix of youth and experience. Juniors such as linebacker Robert Lewis complement seniors such as defensive tackle K.K. Francis. But all work toward a common goal.

Mesquite's offense has sputtered at times, producing less than 20 points per game. But while Halpin said that the offense is important, he knows that his defense is what is winning games.

"Every time you go into a game playing good, solid defense, you've got a game," Halpin said. "If you play smart and take care of the ball, you've got a great chance to play with anyone."

In the 2001 state championship game, Mesquite's offense scored 14 points, and the defense made it hold up.

Not much has changed.

"We tell our offense, go score 14 points or go score 10 points," Dewberry said. "We'll do the rest."

THROUGH THE YEARS

Tyler Lee (5-4, 3-1 District 12-5A) vs. Mesquite (5-4, 3-1), 7:30 p.m. Friday (Mesquite's E.H. Hanby Stadium)