The 2015 season officially begins for Mary Star High football, as Year One in the era of new coach Jason Gelber begins.

Mary Star looks to once again rebuild from a disastrous 2-8 season from a year ago, but Gelber, who comes over from powerful Cathedral High in Los Angeles (defensive coordinator), has them on the road to respectability as they challenge for a CIF-Southern Section East Valley Division (XIII) playoff berth.

Senior RB/LB Jarod Alves & senior OL/DL Anthony Garcia are just two of the 18 seniors who are all striving for success in their final year donning the Stars’ Gold & Blue. Both played a role in the most notorious game of the 2014 season when the Stars routed Bosco Tech of Rosemead, 69-20 on Halloween night last October.

"We all just came together that night," Alves said. "We all just came together and went all out. It was a great team effort."

Alves ran for three touchdowns and booted in 9 of 10 PAT kicks, while Garcia returned a fumble on Bosco Tech's first play from scrimmage 32 yards for a touchdown, recovering two fumbles on the night.

Garcia on his 'scoop and score' touchdown: "I will never forget that moment. It's a lineman's dream come true."

Alves and Garcia are both All-Santa Fe League returning players that return alongside senior RB/LB Vinny Lauro, senior OL/DT Kevin Lopez and senior WR/DB Jason Smith. Having Gelber, a coach with both college and professional experience, could be a big turning point in the long run for Mary Star.

"We have been blessed to obtain a coach with the experience, knowledge and passion for the game that coach Gelber has," Alves says. "My teammates and I believe we can achieve great things under his staff."
Alves ran for 459 yards and 8 touchdowns, while also catching 16 passes for 139 yards and two more scores, adding on to his family’s athletic legacy.

Jarod’s father, Joe Sr., played baseball at nearby San Pedro High, while his grandmother, mother Jeanna (softball, cheerleading), brother Joe Jr. (football, baseball) and Jordyn (soccer, song, currently on UC Santa Barbara’s women’s soccer team as a true sophomore) all shined for the Stars. Jarod is a third generation Alves family member who continues in their academic and athletic tradition.

“It’s an honor to be able to continue the tradition and play the sport I love,” Jarod says. “My brother and sister set a high bar of achievements and accomplishments at Mary Star, and I believe it has pushed me to be a better friend, teammate and student.”

Garcia is Mary Star's returning leader in tackles for loss, and says there’s really no difference in playing both sides of the line.

“I love both,” Garcia says. “It’s really hard to choose because on offense, there is nothing better than pancaking someone on the floor, while on defense, there is nothing better than putting a good hit on the quarterback and/or running back.”

Both Alves and Garcia will look to be guiding forces all over the field as Mary Star hits the road to take on a powerful Aquinas of San Bernadino team tonight at 7 pm. A victory here will likely set the tone for a really promising season for the playoff-hopeful Stars.

"I believe we can return to the playoffs," Garcia says. "Our team has the desire and heart."

(Note: Photos by Dan Pronovost)