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.

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.

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.

One of the lesser-publicized effects of transfers is the displacement of established players, which in turn could challenge team chemistry.

Ancich said the best 11 players will play for the Spartans (1-0), who take on host Redondo (0-1) on Friday.

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.

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.

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.

THOUGHTS ON HOUSTON

All of the high schools in the Houston area have canceled their Week 1 games because of the damage from Hurricane Harvey.

If displaced families arrive in the Southern Section, students could receive a hardship waiver to gain eligibility, section spokesman Thom Simmons said Monday.

Former El Dorado quarterback Kane Wilson was displaced by Hurricane Katrina in 2005 before arriving at the O.C. school as a freshman.

NOTES

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.

Sonora finished 0-10 last season but opened with a 19-8 win against visiting Whittier.

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.

Cal commit Chigozie Anusiem had four receptions for 87 yards and a touchdown and also played defense and special teams.

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.

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.

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.

Reigning CIF Division 1 champion St. John Bosco (0-1) plays Garces of Bakersfield on Saturday at 8 p.m. at Mission Viejo.

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Notes: Villa Park hopes to keep chemistry grade high after transfers - OCRegister