The 2014 season was the year Mary Star High football could not catch a break, as Santa Fe League teams not named Don Bosco Tech of Rosemead pushed them around in a disastrous 2-8 season, which included a 1-3 league mark, taking a half step back from two years ago where the Stars were one win away from a playoff berth in the CIF-Southern Section Northwest Division.

It looks like with a new coaching regime, the 2015 season could be time for a breakthrough, and the Stars will be out to push back their competition into playoff contention.

Enter new coach Jason Gelber, who previously was the defensive coordinator at Cathedral High of Los Angeles, and an all-new assistant coaching staff, to take the reins of what is an experienced Mary Star team that now has been given the belief that they can not only win, but have a successful all-around year, and that's the kind of positivity these Stars must have especially when they'll be the underdog in most of their games in 2015.

Don't expect a repeat of 2-8, or worse with this unit.

In fact, outside of their September 4 season opener at Aquinas of San Bernadino and their Santa Fe League finale on November 6 at powerful St. Anthony of Long Beach, the schedule seems to be in the Stars' favor, which includes a four-game home stand in October at season's mid-point against the likes of St. Bernard of Playa Del Rey, St. Monica of Santa Monica, St. Genevieve of Panorama City and Trinity Classical Academy of of Valencia. The second and third game of that stretch are league encounters.

Mary Star has four returning All-Santa Fe League players returning in senior RB/LB Vinny Lauro, senior RB/SS Jarod Alves (who is also the kicker & punter), senior OL/DL Anthony Garcia and senior WR/DB Jason Smith.

Lauro & Alves created a nice offensive tag team as the two leading yardage and touchdown makers. Lauro ran for a team-high 1,153 yards and ten touchdowns on 195 carries (5.9 yards per carry average), while also topping the Stars with 19 catches for 268 yards and four touchdowns through the air. Lauro even threw a 28-yard touchdown off a halfback option pass during Mary Star's 69-20 rout of Bosco Tech last Halloween.

Alves was second behind Lauro in both rushing (459 yards, 55 carries, 8 TDs, 8.3 yards per carry) and receiving stats (16 receptions, 139 yards, 2 TDs, 8.7 yards per catch), while also connecting on 21-of-28 PAT kicks, 1-of-2 field goals, 6 kickoff touchbacks, and averaged 33.5 yards per punt for Mary Star. Joining the duo in the running game is senior fullback Alex Stavros, who ran for 306 yards and 2 TDs on 72 carries. 

Junior quarterback Robert Enciso returns for a second year, as he completed 63-of-137 passes (46% completion rate) for 834 yards, 10 touchdowns and 7 interceptions. Enciso, when called upon to pass, will have both Smith and junior wide receiver Hunter Bjazevich on the flanks. Bjazevich is the only true receiver last year that caught at least ten passes. Junior WR/LB Jamie Casiano is another returning starter. 

Enciso will be challenged for the starting role under center by both sophomore Matt Marquez and junior Japanese transfer Kenny Yamamura.

Garcia and fellow seniors Anthony Castagnola, Jimmy Catalan, and Kevin Lopez, along with junior tight end Matt Sestich are all returning starters on the offensive line. Senior OL/DL Michael Negrete looks to be the other starter on a well-sized line.

Defensively, Garcia is the anchor, leading the team last year in tackles for loss, sacks and fumble recoveries. Senior TE/DE Justin Rodriguez, last year's San Pedro News Pilot Prep Boys Basketball Co-MVP, adds athleticism on the defensive line. Junior defensive tackle Daichi Kusunoki will be the one varsity newcomer with immense impact, and don't forget about returning junior defensive end Izzy Amalfitano, as he has All-Santa Fe League potential.

The linebacker corps, which will feature Lauro, got added depth with the return of baseball stars, seniors Joey Domicoli and Nicco Castania, who both didn't play last season. Senior MLB William Davis, a Narbonne of Harbor City transfer, also figures to get some looks. Alves moves from linebacker to strong safety to strengthen the secondary that also includes Smith, junior cornerback Adrian Casillas and returning senior free safety Mark Webb.

All of the Stars' home games as usual, starting with their September 18 clash against Cantwell Sacred Heart of Montebello, will take place at the venerable Daniels Field, to go along with nonleague road games against Capistrano Valley Christian of San Juan Capistrano (September 11) and Bishop Montgomery of Torrance (September 25) also featured on the schedule.