Paul Bickford is sure the best is yet to come from his Oxford Hills football team, but the Vikings’ coach is also aware that time is running out.

“I think we’re a team that hasn’t played our best football, yet,” said Bickford. “That’s what we’ve been trying to work towards. We haven’t been able to have that consistency, and we’re getting to the point now where it’s time to step up and play football.”

The Vikings (3-3) have had their ups and downs this season and have been battling injuries for much of the year. After winning three straight, Oxford Hills suffered a step back in a 21-14 loss to Brunswick last week. The Vikings hope to regain its momentum Saturday against Gardiner (5-1) in a critical 1 p.m. matchup.

“I think we took it as a learning experience,” said Bickford of the Brunswick loss. “We have to play from the opening minute. We have to come out and really focus on playing four quarters of football.”

The Tigers present a tough foe for the Vikings, but one that certainly would help bolster Oxford Hills’ standing. Gardiner is coming off a 27-21 win over Windham. Gardiner was impressive, building 14-0 and 21-7 leads before penalties and two turnovers nearly cost them in the second half. The 21 points was the most the Tigers had given up all year.

Oxford Hills managed just 40 yards on the ground last week, while giving up 227. Quarterback Ben Ryerson had success in the air, finding receivers Dan Magoon and Jeff Tifft, but Oxford Hills will need more balance against a strong Gardiner defense, averaging just 10 points against.

“We’re fortunate to have Dan Magoon and Jeff Tifft there to throw the ball to,” said Bickford. “Jim Bower is getting healthier, and he’s going to get more reps. So I think that will bring better balance.”

The communities of Jay and Livermore Falls might already be licking their chops in anticipation of a potential battle of unbeatens in their yearly showdown in two weeks, but the Andies have some business to finish before the hype begins. Lisbon should present the Andies a formidable challenge at 7 p.m. Friday night.

The Greyhounds (5-1) have won four straight since losing to Jay, 30-7. Lisbon has allowed just 11 points per game in its five wins.

Livermore (6-0) has been averaging 28 points, but the defense has been a key component to its success, allowing just 11 points per outing. After allowing just 29 points in the first four games, however, the Andies have given up 41 the last two weeks.

Leavitt will try and stay ahead of Morse Friday night in a 7 p.m. game. The Hornets (4-2) have the Shipbuilders (3-3) on their heels in the Eastern B standings.

The Hornets’ offense could give Morse fits. Broc Hardacker had three touchdowns last week and is third in the PTC with 529 yards on 49 carries. Matt Cote leads the league with 612 passing yards. Leavitt scored 54 points last week against Old Town and averages nearly 25 points per game.

Morse has a two-game winning streak going and has allowed just 12 points per game the last five weeks.

Oak Hill will try to keep pace with the top teams in Eastern B against Winslow Saturday at 1:30 p.m.. The Raiders (3-3) host the potent Black Raiders, who are coming off a 43-28 win over Belfast.

Stopping the Raiders’ offense will be the major chore for Oak Hill. Winslow is averaging 33 points a game and has been held under 20 just twice. Last week quarterback Steven Siviski hooked up with receiver Eric Lopez for 124 yards while Justin Linde rushed for 110 and four touchdowns.

He was one of four Black Raiders with over 50 yards on the ground.

The Raiders bounced back from a loss to Fryeburg with a 20-16 at Hampden Academy. Gabe Fontaine hooked up with Eric Daniels with a pair of touchdown passes in the victory. Fontaine is sixth in the PTC in passing yards with 292.