The Class 4A Division II playoff bracket features the class of the Metroplex teams, including Aledo, Highland Park, Everman and Frisco Liberty.

Aledo has sat atop the ESPNDallas.com area 4A rankings every week this season and is No. 32 on the ESPN RISE Fab 50. Aledo’s big win of the season came in Week 2 against Austin Lake Travis, which previously had been ranked in the 30s in the Fab 50.

Aledo’s toughest challenge could come in the second round when it could face another area frontrunner, Everman. The winner of that game will be the favorite to emerge out of Region I.

Big question: Will Highland Park’s dual-quarterback system work in the playoffs?

When Jake Howeth is in at quarterback for Highland Park, it's easy to figure out a running play is coming, but it's not easy to stop him.To begin the season, Highland Park head coach Randy Allen started Jake Howeth, a converted safety, at quarterback because of his running ability. However, once district rolled around, Allen began a rotation of Howeth in the first and third quarters and the pocket-passing Brady Burgin in the second and fourth quarters.

Howeth is also inserted into the lineup for a Wildcat-like formation and in goal-line situations.

The system has worked so far for the undefeated and third-ranked Scots, as Howeth has run for 1,013 yards and 23 touchdowns and Burgin has thrown for 1347 yards and 14 touchdowns.

The Scots open up against Frisco Centennial (6-4), with the winner facing the winner between Dallas Hillcrest (7-2) and Seagoville (6-4).

Dark horse: Frisco Liberty

No. 4 Liberty's undefeated season included a huge 38-3 win over another playoff contender, Frisco Wakeland (8-2). However, the Redhawks have not faced the same level of challenging opponents as Highland Park and Everman.

Liberty has one of the more favorable paths in the first few rounds, with only Dallas South Oak Cliff (9-1) looking like a potential roadblock until the Region II final.

The Redhawks are lead by running back Jay Ajayi, a Boise State commit who has tallied 1,638 yards and 28 touchdowns on the season.

Cinderella Story: Mesquite Poteet

Mesquite Poteet shocked the area by going 8-2 and making the playoffs out of a stacked District 15-4A after winning only one game the year before. Coach Randy Jackson has turned what he said was a program gone stale around with the help of quarterback Beau Nowell. The No. 6 Pirates have the chance to go a few rounds deep before a potential matchup against Highland Park in the regional semifinals.

Best first-round matchup: Dallas South Oak Cliff vs. Dallas Lincoln

This intra-city matchup might be the most intriguing of all the first-round action in 4A Division II. Lincoln (4-6) was a preseason favorite in District 12-4A but struggled before winning two important games at the end of the season to punch its playoff ticket.

South Oak Cliff (9-1) moved its way into the ESPN Dallas 4A top ten several times throughout the season, finishing in the No. 9 spot. The Bears' lone loss was to Dallas Kimball, 32-14, and it ended up costing them the outright District 11-4A title.

The winner of this game will probably face Frisco Liberty in the second round in a game that should produce a regional finalist.

Best potential second-round matchup: Everman vs. Aledo

Two of the favorites to win the state championship are lined up to face off in the second round. No. 5 Everman’s losses came at the hands of two championship contenders -- 27-21 to Highland Park in the first game of the season and 29-6 to Waco Midway. The winner of this matchup might be the favorite to bring a 4A Division II state title home.

Region I favorite: Aledo

The Bearcats were able to breeze through their regular-season games like they were scrimmages, and they shouldn’t have much trouble going far in the playoffs as long as they can get past Everman in the second round. They have never dropped their No. 1 ranking in the ESPN Dallas 4A top ten and should remain the best 4A team in the area throughout the playoffs.

Region II favorite: Highland Park

What makes the Scots scary is Howeth’s running attack. When he lines up under center in goal-line situations, the entire stadium knows what the play is going to be, yet teams can't stop the shifty rusher. As long as Howeth is running the ball well, the Scots will continue to advance.