On Friday, April 16, Mary Star High School played its first-ever on-campus varsity football game on its brand-new field.

The field, which features an incredible panoramic backdrop that stretches from the Vincent Thomas Bridge to the Palos Verdes hill, was ready just in time for the Stars to close out their shortened pandemic-related season against Harvard-Westlake.

Mary Star High School logo midfield. (photo: John Mattera Photography)

According to a parent volunteer, the field was originally laid out during the early phases of the Ponte Vista development but was only being used for soccer. Last year, as the COVID-19 pandemic shifted education off campus, school officials decided to begin work on building the on-campus football field, giving students something to look forward to as the school reopens for in-person learning.

With the help of parent volunteers, the school manicured the grass, installed the uprights and scoreboard, set up the bleachers, and painted the field, which includes a crisp Mary Star High School logo at midfield.

The opening of the field is a big win for San Pedro’s preeminent Catholic high school, even though the Stars lost the game 7-35. While the field is currently useable, it’s still vastly unfinished. A fundraising effort will be needed to complete work on the field, which still needs a new lighting system, permanent bleachers, bathrooms, and some infrastructure improvements, like walkways.

MSHS Senior Pierce D’Ambrosi runs the ball. (photo: John Mattera Photography)

Mary Star cheerleaders follow COVID safety protocols. (photo: John Mattera Photography)

The Stars and Wolverines line up. (photo: John Mattera Photography)

Junior Giovanni Boccanfuso scores Mary Star’s only points in the game. (photo: John Mattera Photography)

Spectators cheer on the return of Mary Star High School football. (photo: John Mattera Photography)

For those interested in donating to Mary Star High School’s football field completion, contact the school at (310) 547-1138 or info@marystarhigh.com. spt