Team Feature
NEW ERA BEGINS AT ZEPHYRHILLS CHRISTIAN ACADEMY UNDER BJ HALL
By Suncoast Preps||3 min read
Few programs generated more offseason buzz than Zephyrhills Christian Academy.
The Warriors made one of the area’s most talked-about coaching hires by bringing in BJ Hall to lead the program, setting the stage for a new era entering the 2026 season. The excitement surrounding ZCA didn’t stop there. With a productive core returning and several notable offseason additions, the Warriors have become one of the more intriguing teams to watch heading into the fall.
Hall inherits a roster led by quarterback Josiah Carter, who accounted for 3,255 total yards and 24 touchdowns over 10 games last season. Carter threw for 2,677 yards and 23 touchdowns while adding another 578 rushing yards, giving ZCA an experienced quarterback to build around in Hall’s first season.
He’ll once again have plenty of weapons.
Wide receiver Gavin Davis returns after another productive season and remains one of the Tampa Bay area’s top receiving prospects. Malachi Hairston is also back after totaling 34 receptions for 969 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2025, while adding 33 tackles, four interceptions and three pass breakups on the defensive side of the ball.
The Warriors were active throughout the offseason, adding several transfers expected to contribute immediately. On offense, Blake Marinko provides another target at wide receiver, while Trevor Thomas adds experience along the offensive line. Dominique Stewart Jr. arrives with the ability to contribute on both sides of the ball at wide receiver and defensive back.
Defensively, ZCA welcomed Khei’Lyn Hill, Damyon McClarin, Kaedyn Ratcliff, Keavin Moss, Arthur Jones Jr., and Taylen Feagin, giving the Warriors additional depth throughout the secondary and at linebacker ahead of the 2026 season.
The Warriors compete in Class 1A, Region 3, District 8, where they’ll face a challenging district slate that includes Carrollwood Day, Northside Christian, and St. Petersburg Catholic. Each district matchup will present a different test as Hall begins his first season on the sidelines.
2026 Schedule
Aug. 14 — @ Alonso (Preseason)
Aug. 21 — @ Boca Ciega
Aug. 28 — @ Northside Christian*
Sept. 4 — @ Coffee (Ga.)
Sept. 11 — vs. The Villages Charter
Sept. 18 — @ Orlando Christian Prep
Sept. 25 — vs. Carrollwood Day*
Oct. 2 — vs. St. Petersburg Catholic*
Oct. 9 — vs. Ben Gamla
Oct. 23 — @ Santa Fe Catholic
Oct. 30 — vs. Father Lopez
*District games
