Here is the breakdown of tonight’s area Class 4 region final matchup in the Metro Division. The winner advances to next week’s state semifinals.
Tonight’s Area Region Final Matchup
Class 4M
For the full MaxPreps bracket click here.
Region 2
No. 2 Plant (10-2) at No. 1 Sumner (11-1), 7:30
Last year, the teams met in a memorable region quarterfinal contest. The host Panthers trailed by more than 20 points. But they never panicked. After all, they were playing at Dad’s Stadium, home to so many fortunate bounces, favorable momentum swings and improbable finishes. Staging a furious rally, Plant completed the comeback with a 54-yard touchdown pass from Trey O’ Malley to AJ Durham with about two minutes left for the winning score in a 37-34 victory. Plant relied on more home field magic a week ago, beating Orlando Dr. Phillips in overtime to advance to tonight’s region final. After starting 0-2 this season, the Panthers have won 10 straight games. They have done it with a balanced offense, led by quarterbacks O’Malley and JC Mirasola and running back Waltez Clark, a Florida commit, as well as a stingy defense that has allowed just 86 points during Plant’s current 10-game win streak. But the Panthers will not have the benefit of playing at home in tonight’s rematch. The Stingrays, whose only loss this season was by a point to Durant, earned the top seed in the region and the right to host. Last week, Sumner avenged that loss with a 40-25 victory over the Cougars. It marked the fourth time in the last six games that the Stingrays have scored 40 or more points. Quarterback Greg Smith III, a dynamic playmaker, has scored 37 touchdowns (30 passing, seven rushing) despite missing two games with injury. His two favorite targets are Tyler Williams and Malik Brown, who have a combined 23 touchdown receptions. But it’s not all about the passing game. Devin Spencer, an Arkansas State commit, is five yards away from reaching 1,000 on the ground. He also has a kanck for finsding the end zone with 13 rushing touchdowns.
Stat leaders
| Category | Plant | Sumner |
| Passing yards | JC Mirasola, 1,190 | Greg Smith III, 1,439 |
| Rushing yards | Waltez Clark, 422 | Devin Spencer, 995 |
| Receiving yards | Ben MacKinnon, 470 | Malik Brown, 643 |
| Tackles | Alex Tate, 107 | Cameron White, 73 |
| Sacks | Two tied with nine. | Two tied with six. |
| Interceptions | Chase Jarrett, 4 | Cash Caldwell, 4 |
