In past years, the first game of a new year is always a stumbling block for Mary Star High football.

Senior quarterback Robert Enciso and a senior-laden team was not going to let it be a hinderance again.

Enciso would lead an all-around effort for the host Stars as they would soundly defeat visiting Don Bosco Tech of Rosemead, 56-12 at Daniels Field in San Pedro on Friday for their second straight season opening win under coach Jason Gelber, building off last year's 31-7 victory at Aquinas of San Bernadino.

The first quarter was a great indicator of how Mary Star's focus was the entire night, as they would score early and often thanks to Enciso and their offensive line full of seniors paying the way. Enciso would toss a 14-yard touchdown pass to Alec McWilliams, rush for a scintillating 64-yard touchdown, and then hit up senior wideout Jaime Casiano Jr. for an 85-yard scoring bomb for a 21-0 Stars lead. Enciso also ran in a two-point conversion in the quarter.

Neither Enciso or the Stars would let up, as they broke the floodgates wide open with two more scores in the second quarter on Enciso's seven-yard touchdown pass to Casiano Jr., and a four-yard touchdown run from sophomore running back Nathan Trudnich for a 36-0 lead at the break.

Most of the starters got a well-deserved rest in the third quarter, and even that would not stop the Stars from lighting up the scoreboard.

Trudnich would jump a route and return an interception 60 yards to the house, senior fullback Jasen Watanabe would plunge one in for a one-yard touchdown, and slick sophomore running back Luke Sabra would run through a swiss-cheese hole in the middle for a 90-yard touchdown all in the third quarter, and Mary Star would lead 56-0 before Bosco Tech running back Rey Castellanos ran for a 15-yard touchdown with 20 seconds left in the quarter.

The Tigers would score one more touchdown in the fourth quarter to round out the scoring.

Enciso was truly magnificent in his first game as a three-year starter, completing 6-of-9 passes for 157 yards and three touchdowns, two of which on 92 yards went to Casiano Jr., while also rushing for 142 yards on only five carries and another score, even connecting on four extra-point kicks.

Of course some extra credit goes to Gelber for his coaching, as he called the plays in all three facets of the game (offense, defense and special teams) for the Stars, who will next travel to face St. Bernard of Playa Del Rey next Friday. The Vikings routed Santa Clara, 49-0 in their opener.

(Note: Photo by Dan Pronovost)