IRVING – Highland Park's defense has managed to fly under the radar, but after Friday night's game the secret is out – this defense is for real.

The Scots forced four turnovers and held West Mesquite to two first-quarter field goals in a 49-6 win in the Class 4A Division I Region II final at Texas Stadium.

"Maybe after tonight's game, we'll be on people's radar," defensive back Johnny McKnight said.

McKnight had his sixth interception of the season and caused a fumble with a sack. Defensive back Jeff Howeth recovered it and scored his second touchdown in two games. Howeth also had his fifth interception of the season.

"I played defense," Howeth said. "I want to make the plays to win. I don't look forward to scoring."

But Highland Park has had a defensive or special team touchdown in each playoff game. It also allowed a total of only 25 points in the last three games.

Its defense held West Mesquite to a 31-yard and 43-yard field goals the only two times the Wranglers had the ball inside Highland Park's 25-yard line.

Then the Scots took the ball on McKnight's interception and forced a three-and-out to end the first half, 21-6.

In the first play of the second half, McKnight hit West Mesquite receiver Leon Richard so hard that the ball popped out. Howeth recovered it and ran for a 29-yard touchdown, giving Highland Park a 28-6 lead.

Howeth and defensive lineman Dan Samson had interceptions in West Mesquite's next two drives. Then Highland Park denied three fourth-down conversions to close the game.

West Mesquite quarterback Kendall Thomas completed 15-33 for 220 yards, no touchdowns and three interceptions. His team finished with 226 yards of total offense.