The last week has marked the turning of the leaves, the turning of the calendar and the turning point of the high school football season around the state.

We’re now past the midway point, and most teams have figured out whether they’re playoff contenders or not, but as the crowded standings in each class convey, being a playoff-caliber team doesn’t necessarily guarantee an extended season. Those still in the hunt need to start taking care of business this weekend, or their games will start getting less and not more meaningful as the season comes down the stretch.

Here’s a look at some of this weekend’s most important games:

Livermore Falls (3-2) at Dirigo (2-3), Saturday, 1:30 p.m.

Two of the most physical teams in the physical Campbell Conference collide at Harlow Park in a game critical to their playoff hopes.

The Andies have three impressive wins in a row after an 0-2 start. Led by running backs Mark O’Shea and Mike Nichols and a veteran offensive line, the offense has averaged 36 ppg during the winning streak.

In just their second season of independent football, Dirigo’s reputation for toughness has spread across the Campbell Conference. Even the smaller Cougars, like 5-foot-11, 170 pound wingback/cornerback Spencer Berry and 5-foot-8, 150 pound halfback/linebacker Josh Daley, put opponents’ heads on a swivel with hard hits.

Old Orchard Beach (4-1) at Jay (3-2), Today, 7 p.m.

Two teams hoping to bounce back from tough losses last weekend tangle at Taglienti Field.

The Tigers fell to Boothbay on a tipped touchdown pass as time expired, the second late TD they’ve surrendered in the last three weeks. But that shouldn’t negate another stout effort from the defense, which is holding opponents to 6.8 points per game. Dave Farrington had a safety and Trevor McCourt a sack against Boothbay.

The Seagulls took care of business against the Campbell Conference’s sub-.500 teams in the first month, but they suffered their first setback of the season last week with a 14-9 loss at Rockland. They are now entering the meat of their league schedule with Jay, Livermore Falls, Lisbon and Boothbay all on tap. Freshman QB Dean Perrone has thrown five touchdown passes and run for three more scores behind OOB’s huge offensive line.

Boothbay (4-1) at Lisbon (5-0), Saturday, 1:30 p.m.

Surprise, surprise. Look who’s got another meeting with first place in the Campbell Conference on the line. The Seahawks and Greyhounds have been doing this for a long time, but it never gets old.

The Seahawks pulled out a miracle last week when Roy Arsenault’s desperation pass caromed off the fingers of a Jay defender and into the hands of tight end Kris Noonan for a 14-9 victory. The 6-foot-4 Noonan is understandably Arsenault’s favorite target, and will be a tough assignment for Lisbon’s outstanding linebackers, Jesse Moan and Dan Willis.

Willis, coming off 136 yards and two touchdowns against Traip last week, presents his own problems for the Boothbay defense. Running and receiving threat Joe Stevens and QB Nate Unterkoefler will keep the Seahawks from focusing too much on stopping the run.

Leavitt (3-2) at Waterville (4-1), Saturday, 1 p.m.

After surrendering 89 points in its first three games, Leavitt’s defense has buckled down the last two, providing the only points with a safety in a 2-0 win over Maranacook and then holding a potent Belfast offense to just eight points last week.

Waterville is big up front and deep in the backfield, so keeping that defense from getting worn down will be key for the Hornets. QB Nathan Lancaster is elusive enough to break out of the pocket for big plays, but most of the Purple Panthers’ backs are punishing, north-south runners, like Mike Bernhardt and Chris Smith, who both topped 100 yards in last week’s 41-14 win over Oak Hill.

Leavitt’s offense showed its balance in the 20-8 decision over Belfast. Senior QB Evan Barker tallied 94 yards and three TDs on the ground, while sophomore tailback Tyler Green totaled 101 yards on 16 carries. Barker also completed 7-of-8 passes, six of them to Tyler Millett for 77 yards.

Today’s other games (all starting at 7 p.m.)

• Edward Little (3-2) at Oxford Hills (0-4). Eddies hope to get back on right track after tough loss to Mt. Blue.

• Mountain Valley (5-0) at York (4-1). Falcons out for revenge for Wildcats upsetting them in last year’s Western Maine final.

• Gray-New Gloucester (2-3) at Wells (3-2). Patriots seek third straight win.

Saturday’s games

• Mt. Ararat (2-2) at Lewiston (2-2), 7 p.m. Blue Devils, coming off bye week, need win to boost playoff hopes.

• Gardiner (5-0) at Oak Hill (1-4), 1:30 p.m. Raiders’ first game without top rusher Adam Tremblay (knee injury).

• Winthrop (2-3) at John Bapst (4-1), 1 p.m. Crossover tilt critical to Ramblers’ playoff chances.

• Fryeburg (1-4) at Greely (3-2), 7 p.m. Coming off first win, Raiders hope to keep momentum on their side.