Is Week 3 too early to start thinking about any high school football contest as a potential playoff elimination game? Not if you do business in the Pine Tree Conference, where 11 schools play an eight-game schedule with a dreaded bye week, and only four make the Eastern Class A postseason cut.

Sure, the loser of tonight’s Skowhegan-Lewiston pairing at Don Roux Field could run the table and sneak into the semifinal fray on the first weekend in November. Skowhegan proved that last fall by dropping a 22-20 decision to Lewiston at home, then recovering for a run all the way to the regional championship game.

With at least seven and perhaps eight teams entrenched as PTC playoff threats, however, you can bet the thought of falling to a 1-2 this evening leaves a gnawing in the gut on both sidelines. There’s a similar sense of urgency across the river, where Edward Little hosts Messalonskee. And in Class C, three weekend confrontations will begin the process of separating the haves from the have-nots.

Here’s a closer look at the local gridiron highlights:

Skowhegan (1-1) at Lewiston (1-1)

Not much has changed since last September’s clash. Jared Turcotte of Lewiston is still the premier running back in the state. He’s even better this year, in fact, having proven himself a threat to catch and even throw the ball, as well as return kicks.

As for Skowhegan, the faces have changed, but the results remain the same. Last week’s 32-12 trouncing of Oxford Hills had a familiar look, at least, with HB Zack Whiting (213 yards, 3 TDs) and FB Greg Saydjari (100 yards, TD) both running wild out of the double-wing.

The continued growth of two young offensive lines may tell the tale. Lewiston’s youthful group, led by lone senior Andy Ouellette, seemed to come of age in the second half of last week’s 14-7 win over Mt. Blue.

Messalonskee (1-0) at Edward Little (1-1)

The Red Eddies ran into a brick wall at Lawrence last Friday night, churning out less than a yard per carry in a shutout loss. Home field advantage and a younger opponent could help EL revert to the prolific form of its opening rout of Cony, when senior QB Troy Barnies and TBs Jon Demers and Chris Ringer moved the ball at will.

Messalonskee has followed Skowhegan, Boothbay and Gorham’s lead in turning to the double-wing offense. QB Luke Thomas, TB Garrett Mosher and FB Nick Ouellette are key ingredients. Prior to their bye week, the Eagles edged Mt. Ararat, 16-14, by stopping a two-point conversion in overtime.

Mattanawcook (2-0) at Lisbon (2-0)

The Lynx enter this potential Class C championship preview on fire, having walloped two Eastern opponents by a combined margin of 108-0. QB Shey Gardner accounted for 140 of the Lincoln school’s 384 yards on the ground last week against MCI.

If the Greyhounds need any extra motivation, Mattanawcook handed Lisbon its lone blemish in a state championship season last fall. This time, the Lynx get to make the long day’s journey down the interstate. Joe Stevens and Dan Willis lead a potent running attack, while LBs Jesse Moan, Ryan Giusto and the defense have allowed only one TD.

Dirigo (1-1) at Jay (2-0)

This one’s no gimme. Two-way stars Trevor McCourt and Zane Armandi lead a Jay team capable of grinding it out, keeping a doughnut on the scoreboard and staying unbeaten. But the Cougars impressively beat Madison and performed admirably at Lisbon. An upset here would give Dirigo legitimate playoff aspirations.

Livermore Falls (0-2) at Boothbay (2-0)

The Andies started last season 0-3 and still scratched their way back to the Western C playoffs. They’ll be thrust into that same demanding spot again this autumn unless they pull off a significant road upset tonight.

Boothbay survived a 34-32 overtime classic at LF in last year’s meeting, but the Seahawks are averaging 47 points per game and are considered the early-season favorite to win their first regional title since 2002. Both teams love to run the ball, with Max Alley lugging the leather for the Seahawks and Mark O’Shea anchoring the Wing-T for the Andies.

Tonight’s other games

• Lawrence at Oxford Hills. The Bulldogs eye their third straight shutout to start the year.

• Cony at Mt. Blue. Rams haven’t scored a point in two games.

• Mountain Valley at Gray-New Gloucester. Western B power against Western B newcomer.

• Oak Hill at Belfast. Not an easy road test for the Raiders after two tough losses by the talented, traditionally tough Lions.

• Fryeburg at Falmouth. Raiders will try to stop Yachtsmen from first-ever 2-1 start.

Saturday’s other games

• Morse at Leavitt, 7 p.m. Homecoming for the Hornets, who aim for their second straight win.

• Winthrop at Traip, 1 p.m. Ramblers try to snap a five-game losing streak; Rangers haven’t won a game in years.

• Greely at Poland, 1:30 p.m. So much for graduation losses forcing Greely to take a step back. Rangers will try to go 3-0 against the youthful Knights.