For a few years in the past decade, Winslow and Oak Hill were rivals in the Pine Tree Conference’s Class B division. Now that both are playing in the Campbell Conference Class C, the Raiders and Black Raiders will meet for the first time since 2008.

“It should be a good game. If we play the way we are capable of, we can play with them and give them a heck of a game. We expect a tough game,” Oak Hill coach Dave Wing said.

This game, which kicks off at 1:30 p.m. Saturday at Oak Hill High School in Wales has playoff implications for both teams. Winslow, 5-1, knows it is going to the playoffs, but can move closer to a home game in the first round with a win Saturday. Oak Hill (3-3) is in sixth place and could move up with wins this week and next week at Maranacook.

“There is no question if you plan on being in playoffs these are the games you have to win,” Wing said. “It’s a point-worthy game. You have to beat these teams ahead of you so you gain those points.”

Added Winslow coach Mike Siviski: “This game means quite a lot to their playoff hopes, and we have to be aware of that.”

Winslow dropped to Class C this year after struggling in PTC B for two seasons, but many opponents look at the Black Raiders and don’t see the team that went 5-12 the past two seasons. Instead, they see the team that contended for the state title, year in and year out, for 20 years before that.

“It seems a lot of people are trying to bring their ‘A’ game when they play us,” Siviski said.

The Black Raiders have been successful running the ball thanks to a solid line led by senior captain Vitaliano Tantoco at guard. Joe Hopkins, Eric Crawley and Dylan Hapworth are Winslow’s leading rushers, and quarterback Donald Camp is a threat to run, too.

“They always run the ball well. They’ve had a number of good backs throughout the years, and this year is no different,” Wing said. “They are a well-balanced team. They’ve only had one bad game when Traip pounded them.”

Oak Hill’s offense is led by senior tailback Cody DePuy, who has 895 yards rushing and 12 touchdowns.

“Oak Hill is going to be really after us. They have some outstanding people at some positions,” Siviski said.

Neither team feels like it has played its best game yet.

“We’ve been inconsistent. We’ve had our ups and downs. Last week we had 20 first downs and didn’t win the game (27-24 loss to Winthrop),” Wing said. “We moved the ball well but we had way too many turnovers, and then suddenly we were in the loss column. At times we’ve played partriculary well, and at times we lose our way.”

Winslow is a young team, with a number of freshmen and sophomores seeing a lot of snaps. Siviski said he sees improvement, but the team still needs to play four strong quarters.

“We’re pleased with the effort. I’m kind of impatient. I wish our learning curve was a little higher, but we’re working on it,” Siviski said.

Staff Writer Bill Stewart contributed to this story.

Travis Lazarczyk — 861-9242

tlazarczyk@centralmaine.com