Chambersburg running back Keyshawn Jones (photo courtesy Pictures Plus)

In its short time span of eight years, the football game to kick off the season between rivals Chambersburg and Greencastle-Antrim has become a barometer for success.

Both teams are coming off a less-than-desirable 2017 season, so getting off to a good start is paramount.

The series has also produced some instant classics, and each team has four wins. So, more drama is expected when the Trojans and G-A clash Friday at 7 p.m. at Kaley Field.

“We’ve had some good, exciting games between us — that’s why we like this series,” Blue Devil coach Devin McCauley said. “And I expect another good one Friday in front of a great crowd.”

McCauley is replacing Chuck Tinninis, who had held the position for 30 years and built a quality program. Tinninis, who retired last year, was known as a somewhat conservative coach, living off a power running game and good defense. But don’t expect any drastic changes under McCauley, who played and coached under Tinninis.

“No matter what, you still have to run the ball,” McCauley said. “Everything is based off what we’ve done before, but you have to adapt to what your strengths are. We want to be more balanced, but running fits what we do.”

Trojan coach Mark Luther said, “In their scrimmage, they showed some formations that were different, but a lot of the base scheme plays. Devin used some with two wideouts and two wings, but the inside trap is still their bread-and-butter play.”

Fullback Thomas Hebert (6-1, 228) will be the inside player the Trojans must limit, and he’ll run behind three returning starters on the line — Sam Reid (6-3, 275) at tackle, Ethan Clopper (6-0, 210) at guard and Robert McCune (6-0, 210) at center.

Max McDowell (6-0, 195) will take over as quarterback for his graduated brother Cade.

McCauley said, “The line has a chance to be real solid, and we have a nice, big fullback. And we might have five or six running backs touch the ball.”

“It’s typical for Greencastle — they don’t have lots of kids with jets, but they will play hard and they are tough kids,” Luther said.

On defense, McCauley said he will rely on Reid, Wesley Medina (5-10, 235) and Ralondas Green (5-9, 280) to hold the line, with Hebert a standout at middle linebacker. Antwoine Carter will start at cornerback for the third straight season.

McCauley said, “Chambersburg has some speed with their backs and the offensive line is a strength of theirs. We need to match their play up front and contain their speed, especially (running back Keyshawn) Jones.

“They have some nice little schemes with that read-option offense that gives your defense something to think about.”

Luther said, “If we can go down there and make some plays, gain some confidence and not give up the big plays, then I will feel good about going into the rest of the season.”

It appears Chambersburg holds an edge in speed and potential with the skill players, while G-A may have an advantage in the trenches, especially in depth.

Which could make for another season-opening thriller.

“It sounds like the weather will be perfect and there’ll be a big crowd,” Luther said. “But there are some unknowns we’ll have to deal with because they have a new coach.”