SALINAS >> The buzz that circles both campuses and households this week is creating an atmosphere unlike any other football game on either team’s schedule.

Players do not need to circle their calendars, as their parents probably beat them to it. From social media takes, to alumni throwing down water cooler wagers, the magnitude of the game puts players from Salinas and Palma into the spotlight.

“There will be an adjustment period for the young guys that have not been through this before,” Palma coach Jeff Carnazzo. “You can’t simulate it in practice. It’s just different.”

A sold-out venue is expected Friday when the six-time reigning Pacific Coast Athletic League Gabilan Division champion Cowboys host defending State Division 4A champion Palma in both teams’ league opener at “The Pit” at Salinas High.

“I’d rather beat my friends than enemies,” said Salinas coach Steve Zenk, a Palma alum. “I see my friends all the time. I’m sure there is a little more adrenaline for this game.”

Prior to Zenk’s arrival seven years ago, the Chieftains had control of the series with 14 straight wins. Since then, Salinas has won the last six Gabilan Division matchups — Palma did post a 7-6 win during the pandemic-shortened spring season.

“I went to Palma,” Zenk said. “Jeff (Carnazzo) talked me into coaching, then teaching. But the mystique doesn’t faze me. My first senior class at Salinas had that mindset. It’s just carried over.”

Zenk has created expectations and has challenged his players to meet them. The biggest barrier, though, does not involve Palma — and never has.

“It’s about getting a little better with each rep, each practice, each game, regardless of the jersey on the other side,” Zenk said. “If we do that, we are going to be competitive.”

The Cowboys (3-1) have put together the second-longest league winning streak in the history of the county with six, trailing Palma’s 18 and North County’s eight.

“What Salinas has done so well over the years is that it evolves and changes,” Carnazzo said. “It is a system that is predicated by its personnel. The program is talented with depth.”

Part of the hype surrounding this game stems from the schools being less than 500 meters from each other and the success each program has achieved.

Palma is chasing a record 40th consecutive Central Coast Section playoff spot, while Salinas has made 15 straight appearances in the playoffs — with both owning a CCS divisional title in the past decade.

The Chieftains are also one of two teams in the Gabilan Division to have shared the title with the Cowboys during their magical run at supremacy.

“One game does not make our season,” Zenk said. “Expectations come with each game. Either you meet them, or you don’t.”

Lately, Salinas has corralled its league opponents, having gone 38-2 during its run of six straight Gabilan Division crowns, having outscored the Chieftains 102-28 in the past three meetings.

“I don’t care if it is the season opener or season finale,” Zenk said. “We do not look at the team and change our mindset. Anyplace, anytime, anywhere is Cowboy weather.”

Both teams had solid tune-ups in their crossover games, with Salinas posting a 49-14 win over North Salinas and Palma rolling to a 40-7 decision over North County.

Despite a core of sophomores lining up on the defensive side of the ball, the Chieftains’ first unit has allowed just one touchdown in 16 quarters, that coming in the fourth quarter to Yuma Catholic in Arizona.

“Palma is a lot like us in that it doesn’t do a ton on defense,” Zenk said. “What it does, it does well. It’s about picking your poison. You got to go with your gut.”

Linebackers Caden Scherer and Eli Mercurio have been demons on defense for Palma (3-1), while Job Barroso has solidified the interior line.

“We talked about circling the wagons, making sure we’re not engaging in social media battles,” Carnazzo said. “Just prepare. I think the Yuma game prepared us for this moment with the atmosphere and crowd it had.”

The Cowboys’ offense created matchup problems last week, with quarterback Rico Maturino being a dual threat with his arm and legs.

Last week the senior threw for just under 300 yards and four touchdowns, with three being 50 yards or longer. Maturino found Brady Ballesteros and Emarrcis Turner on a pair of scoring strikes.

“You have to account for Rico’s ability to scramble,” Carnazzo said. “He’s a dual threat. When plays break down, keep your brush lines and containment. It’s hard to simulate this offense in practice”

Despite Maturino’s numbers through the air, the Cowboys have been more balanced on offense with Davyen Marquez rushing for 85 yards last week.

“My OC does a good job with the offensive game plan,” Zenk said. “Sometimes you get married to what you do. We put our kids in the best positions to help us win games.”

While the Chieftains demonstrated an aerial attack with sophomore quarterback Patrick Driscoll tossing a pair of touchdowns last week, Carnazzo doesn’t want to engage in a shootout.

Shortening the game and extending drives could mean putting the ball into the hands of a trio of running backs in Eli Dukes, David Garcia and Isaak Hernandez.

One thing Carnazzo wanted to do this season was limit Dukes’ carries, perhaps involve him in the passing game more. While the sophomore has chalked up 588 rushing yards in four games, he’s carried the ball just 66 times.

That’s because Garcia and Hernandez have each rushed for over 200 yards this year, combining for five touchdowns on the ground.

“We still have to take our shots in the air to keep them from stacking nine in the box,” Carnazzo said. “We want to take time off the clock, limit possessions and stay in front of the chains.”

Palma may not face a better defensive front seven than the Cowboys, anchored by defensive lineman Joshua Na and linebackers Jackson Scott, Alex Jarvis and Jake Mungaray.

“It’s a very talented group up front,” Carnazzo said. “Salinas’ success starts with their discipline. That’s a tribute to Steve’s staff.”