Coach Dusan Ancich said his Villa Park football program returned from its team-bonding trip to Hawaii closer than ever before. But that chemistry will be tested after three talented transfers recently arrived from Corona High.<\/p>\n
The Spartans have added USC cornerback commit Marcus Johnson (5-10, 175), linebacker\/running back Zechariah Holifield (6-0, 220) and rising quarterback Shane Illingworth, a 6-foot-6, 225-pound sophomore, in recent days.<\/p>\n
Johnson and Holifield are seniors who are moving into the Villa Park area so they could be eligible soon, Ancich said. Illingworth will observe the CIF-Southern Sections sit-out period, so look for junior Paul Piferi (6-5, 198) to remain the starter until at least until Oct. 6.<\/p>\n
One of the lesser-publicized effects of transfers is the displacement of established players, which in turn could challenge team chemistry.<\/p>\n
Ancich said the best 11 players will play for the Spartans (1-0), who take on host Redondo (0-1) on Friday.<\/p>\n
We have two Division I quarterbacks, Ancich said. If everybody gets cleared, does things right, above board (and) we keep our team bonding and philosophy, it should be fun. Its a great surprise for us.<\/p>\n
The Illingworth family is familiar with Ancichs coaching philosophy. Shanes cousin, Devon, played defensive end for the Spartans. His father played for Ancichs father, Marijon, at Tustin.<\/p>\n
Everybody is treated the same, Dusan Ancich said. We give a depth chart every week. Its always the best 11 (who start). Thats just a black-and-white deal.<\/p>\n
THOUGHTS ON HOUSTON<\/p>\n
All of the high schools in the Houston area have canceled their Week 1 games because of the damage from Hurricane Harvey.<\/p>\n
If displaced families arrive in the Southern Section, students could receive a hardship waiver to gain eligibility, section spokesman Thom Simmons said Monday.<\/p>\n
Former El Dorado quarterback Kane Wilson was displaced by Hurricane Katrina in 2005 before arriving at the O.C. school as a freshman.<\/p>\n
NOTES<\/p>\n
La Habra and Yorba Linda are among the area teams that have moved practices Tuesday and Wednesday to the evening because of the expected heat wave. <\/p>\n
Sonora finished 0-10 last season but opened with a 19-8 win against visiting Whittier.<\/p>\n
Raiders coach Daniel Morales praised several players, including running back\/linebacker Chandler Thompson and quarterback Ryan Martinez. Our defense played really tough, Morales said. I was so happy how they were challenged in our own territory quite a few times but didnt break.<\/p>\n
Cal commit Chigozie Anusiem had four receptions for 87 yards and a touchdown and also played defense and special teams. <\/p>\n
La Habra (0-1) is looking to bounce back from a 35-7 loss at Upland that Highlanders coach Frank Mazzotta called humbling. We have to get a lot better in a hurry, said Mazzotta, whose team plays host to Tesoro on Friday. <\/p>\n
Tesoro coach Matt Poston said sophomore Kyle Schaefers helped the Titans as they nearly upset Edison before losing 48-47. He had 90-yard kickoff return for a touchdown and played well at cornerback. <\/p>\n
Mission Viejo plays host to the Brothers in Arms Classic on Thursday through Saturday. Servite plays American Fork of Utah on Friday at 5 p.m. while the Diablos take on former CIF-SS rival Vista Murrieta at 8 p.m. American Fork is nicknamed the Cavemen.<\/p>\n
Reigning CIF Division 1 champion St. John Bosco (0-1) plays Garces of Bakersfield on Saturday at 8 p.m. at Mission Viejo.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
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\nNotes: Villa Park hopes to keep chemistry grade high after transfers - OCRegister<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"