Mathematical geniuses are in high demand this time of year. The Pine Tree Conference season is in its final week and the playoff possibilities are only slightly less endless than the 2004 presidential campaign.

This year, 11 teams still have a shot at the eight playoff spots going into the final weekend, and nearly half of those still have a chance at securing the top seed.

Sorting out all of the scenarios via the Crabtree Points system is better left to NASA. Even Oxford Hills coach Paul Bickford, who has a Master’s degree from Harvard, admits to struggling with all of the convoluted possibilities.

“I get it wrong every year, at least the last three years running,” Bickford joked.

By Bickford’s calculation, his Vikings are in with a win tonight against Windham. If they lose, they could still get in, with some help, but there’s also a chance Lewiston could jump in ahead of them. Beyond that, it almost seems like virtually every other PTC game could have a hand in determining Oxford Hills’ postseason fate.

Mt. Blue coach Gary Parlin is one of the few coaches who admits he enjoys figuring out the playoff prospects, but then, his team also has a lot on the line this week. “If we win, we’re assured a home playoff game,” said Parlin. “If we lose, we could go 6-2 and not have a home playoff game.”

If they win and Gardiner and Bangor lose, not only will the Cougars get a home game, they’ll be the top seed, according to Parlin. But they’ll have to go through their biggest rival, Skowhegan, which is just as eager to assist its playoff positioning.

Tonight’s games

Mt. Blue (6-1) at Skowhegan (3-4)

The Cougar defense, led by Rob Blake and Jordan Stevens, is the toughest to score against in the PTC. Part of the credit should also go to the three-pronged running attack of Stevens, Hazen Pingree and David DiGravio that keeps opposing offenses off the field.

The Indians’ offense, led by junior running back Aaron Chambers, has been inconsistent. They scored 56 points against Waterville and 44 against Bangor in back-to-back games earlier this season, but they have also been shut out twice, including by Brunswick last week. The one constant has been the defense, which has given up just over nine points a game over the last five games.

Oxford Hills (3-4) at Windham (6-1)

Coming off a tough one-point loss to Gardiner, the Vikings will have to bounce back this week against the surprise team of the PTC. The Eagles have a tough run defense, but Viking QB Ben Ryerson and receiver Dan Magoon may be able to exploit a banged-up secondary.

Chris Molleur, who has 13 rushing touchdowns this season, sparks the Eagle offense.

Leavitt (5-2) at Brewer (7-0)

The Hornets may be playing their best football heading into a matchup with the lone remaining unbeaten PTC team. A victory would be huge for them to separate themselves from Winslow, which is in a flat-footed tie for second place with Leavitt in the Crabtree standings.

Saturday’s games

Livermore Falls (7-0) at Dirigo/Buckfield (1-6)

The first and last home game for Dirigo/Buckfield played in Buckfield this season is also the final home game in the cooperative team’s two-year history. They’ll be playing without head coach Al Cayer, who will have to sit out after being ejected from last week’s game against Winthrop. A Livermore win, and a Jay victory over Cape Elizabeth on Friday night, sets up a dream matchup of undefeated rivals next week.

Edward Little (1-6) at Lewiston (1-6)

That they only have two wins between them doesn’t matter. It’s still one of the best rivalries in the state. Both teams are a break here or there away from another win or two. The Eddies are looking for payback for last year’s 19-7 loss. The Blue Devils still have an outside shot at making the playoffs if they win. Lewiston is also thirsty for revenge after its 20-14 loss in Thursday night’s alumni game.