The 2015 high school football season is drawing near, and for Mary Star Of The Sea High football, it's a whole new world, again.

Last year, it was realignment moves in the CIF-Southern Section, including all the Catholic school-based leagues.

As the Stars prepare for the new season, they will have a brand-new coach in Jason Gelber, who previously was the defensive coordinator and assistant athletic director at Cathedral of Los Angeles. Gelber’s defense allowed less than 16 points a game at Cathedral. Gelber brings both collegiate and professional experience to Mary Star, as he was a linebackers coach at Occidental College and defensive line/strength coach for California prior to Cathedral.

Gelber replaces longtime football coach Mike Marinkovich, who has transitioned into becoming a full-time administrator at Mary Star, who has gone 10-30 the last four seasons, making the playoffs in 2012. However, the Stars only had six seniors on last year's roster, and still closed out strong in winning two of their final three games.

The 2015 schedule does show promise for Mary Star as they will have an even slate, unlike last year where the majority of their earlier games were played on the road due to ongoing construction at their home facility, Daniels Field. Yet the majority of their toughest games, the season opener at Aquinas on September 4, their short road trip to Bishop Montgomery of Torrance on September 25 and the Santa Fe League season finale against reigning Santa Fe League champion St. Anthony are all on the road.

Mary Star can really pick up steam in October with a four-game home stand against St. Bernard, St. Monica of Santa Monica, St. Genevieve of Panorama City and a nonleague game against Trinity Classical Academy of Valencia.

A strong nucleus of talent returns for Mary Star, including senior RB/LB Vinny Lauro, who ran for over 1,100 yards and ten touchdowns last season. Senior RB/LB/K Jarod Alves, senior OL/DL Anthony Garcia, senior OL/DT Kevin Lopez and senior WR/CB Jason Smith are also returning All-Santa Fe League standouts along with Lauro. '

Junior Robert Enciso returns as the starting quarterback, while junior TE/DE Matt Sestich and junior linebacker Izzy Amalfitano will also be key contributors for Mary Star.

MARY STAR OF THE SEA HIGH SCHOOL 2015 SCHEDULE

(Note #1: All home games in bold covering are at Daniels Field)
(Note #2: * - Denotes Santa Fe League Game)

Thursday 8/27 @ Peninsula (Scrimmage - Time TBD)

Friday 9/4 @ Aquinas (7 pm)
Friday 9/11 @ Capistrano Valley Christian (7 pm)
Friday 9/18 vs. Cantwell Sacred-Heart (7 pm)
Friday 9/25 @ Bishop Montgomery (7 pm)
Friday 10/2 vs. St. Bernard (7 pm)
Friday 10/9 vs. St. Monica (7 pm)*
Friday 10/16 vs. St. Genevieve (7 pm)*
Friday 10/23 vs. Trinity Classical Academy (7 pm)
Friday 10/30 @ Don Bosco Tech (7 pm)*
Friday 11/6 vs. St. Anthony @ Clark Field (7 pm)*