Brock Harmon

In each of the first four weeks of the football season, Chambersburg has proven itself to be up to the challenge presented to it.

But awaiting them this week is by far the Trojans’ stiffest test yet, the Little Lions of State College. The game is Friday at 7 p.m. at Memorial Stadium.

State College is also 4-0, is ranked No. 5 in the state in Class 6A by PennLive and No. 10 in the state among all classes by MaxPreps. Let’s just say the Little Lions are loaded with talent at the skills positions and just about everywhere else.

“Each game so far has been a measuring stick for us,” Trojan coach Mark Luther said. “But this team is very good. They are fundamentally sound and they play hard. I’m just curious to see if our kids come out and match how hard they play.”

A year ago at Memorial Stadium, Chambersburg did not match State College in anything. The Trojans, missing several starters, found themselves down 35-0 in the first quarter in a 70-20 defeat.

Luther said, “You can’t even evaluate us against them last year, because we played very poorly. But this year we are 4-0 and are obviously playing with a lot more confidence. I think the kids have played their tails off, are in a positive mental state and they’re ready to go. I think they’ll give a good effort.”

State College, which has beaten Mifflin County (35-12), St. Augustine, N.J. (19-7), Hollidaysburg (49-22) and Carlisle (56-17), is led by quarterback Tommy Friberg. He has connected on 35 of 59 (59%) of his passes for 748 yards, nine touchdowns and two interceptions.

His top receivers are Cohen Russell (11-347, 4 TDs, 31.5 avg.) and Penn State commit Keaton Ellis (10-280, 5 TDs, 28.0 avg.), while Isaiah Edwards has the most rushing yards (29-298, 5 TDs, 8.6 avg.)

Chambersburg got fine games from safety Tyeshawn Worrell, middle linebacker Andrew Shetter and defensive lineman Brock Harmon last week against Altoona, according to Luther, and they’ll need that again this week — Friberg has gained over 21 yards per completion.

“They’ve got great skill players, and the quarterback is tall (6-foot-5, 200) and is very athletic,” Luther said.

In four games, the Trojans have averaged 43.8 points, and allowed 21.5; and have gained 420 yards and allowed 323 per game. Another key stat for Chambersburg is a plus-8 turnover ratio through four games.

Luther said, “This is a huge challenge for us, because they may be the toughest team we face this year.”

NOTES: The game will not be on live stream because signals are broken up by a nearby Verizon building … However, the audio webcast will be available on TheSportsPage.blog and MidPennBroadcasting.com.

Trojan linebacker and tight end Terrell Williams, who had a spectacular start to the season, suffered a broken wrist in the Red Lion game and is done for the season … He should return early in the basketball season.

Kicker Tyler Luther, son of the coach, did not play last week because of a soccer injury, but his younger brother Tanner Luther was good on his last six PAT kicks and had several quality punts … Tyler is back this week.

TROJAN LEADERS: Passing — Brady Stumbaugh 34-67 (51%) for 670 yards, 9 TDs, 4 int … Rushing — Keyshawn Jones 67-706 (10.5 avg.), 8 TDs … Receiving — Kevin Lee 6-222 37.0 avg.), 2 TDs; Jones 7-109, 1 TD; Tucker Perry 4-59, 1 TD; Garner Funk 3-34, 1 TD.