It also wouldn't be a surprise if both meet later in the season during the South Jersey Group 1 playoffs.
Here is a look at the matchup.
Last year. Penns Grove went 9-2 overall, 4-0 in the Diamond, and advanced to the South Jersey Group 1 semifinals before losing to eventual champion Woodbury, 19-16. Glassboro was 9-2 and 3-1 and fell to Paulsboro, 35-0, in the South Jersey Group 1 semifinals.
Coaches. Penns Grove's Kemp Carr begins his seventh season with a 39-25 record. Glassboro's Herb Neilio Jr. enters his ninth season with a 74-16 mark.
Top playmakers. Glassboro senior P.J. James rushed for 1,730 yards (11.02 average) and 21 touchdowns last year. His brother Christian, a defensive end, had 78 tackles and nine sacks.
Penns Grove senior DaRon Mills rushed for 1,071 yards and 11 touchdowns and also recorded 57 tackles at linebacker. Senior Jay Brown rushed for more than 850 yards, Carr said.
"It's a very good one-two punch," Carr said.
In addition, sophomore Nick Elmer went 7-1 as a starting quarterback and Carr says he provides great intelligence and leadership.
Health issues. Glassboro quarterback Stephen Clement has missed significant time because of illness this preseason, and Neilio says he could be a game-time decision. Junior Markeith Adams took most of the snaps during the preseason. In addition, senior wide receiver-safety Lamont Smith has been sidelined with an ankle injury and his status is uncertain.
Carr says his team is healthy.
Key factor. Penns Grove might have as much team speed as any Group 1 school. And it's not only on offense. The Red Devils are especially strong at linebacker, with Mills, senior Anthony Green, and junior James Roane displaying big-play ability. That will be needed to contain P.J. James.
Outlook. Both teams will try to run the ball frequently. If either has to attempt as many as 10 passes, thta team could be in trouble. So whichever team stops the other on the ground, while limiting mistakes, should emerge victorious.
"They have a lot of talent and speed, and we also have speed and talent," Neilio said. "What it comes down to is who makes the least number of mistakes."
This should have a playoff-type feel even though it's a season opener. Don't be surprised if it is as close as last year's meeting.
Pick: Glassboro 14, Penns Grove 12.
Contact staff writer Marc Narducci at 856-779-3225 or mnarducci@phillynews.com.
