Zion Christian Academy’s football program is entering a pivotal second season back in the Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association, guided by first‑year head coach Aaron Smith.
The Eagles have added more than a dozen players since last year, swelling the roster and raising expectations that the team can move beyond its 3‑7 record from the previous campaign.
This fall the schedule remains non‑region, a deliberate step before the program slides into DII‑A’s Middle Region in 2027, a move that could reshape the team’s competitive landscape.
Smith, who spent 2025 as an assistant athletic director, middle‑school coach and strength‑and‑conditioning specialist at Zion Christian, says the players’ drive fuels his own work ethic.
“Their motivation pushes me to be better every day,” Smith explained, noting that the program’s recent growth reflects a collective desire to restore the excitement that once defined ZCA football.
Returning standouts such as Kingston Dennie, Jonas Chapek and Austin Surratt provide a foundation, while a five‑man senior class anticipates growing pains as 22 underclassmen adjust to the varsity level.
Building Grit, Toughness, and Consistency
Smith repeatedly emphasizes effort, grit and toughness as the core values he wants the squad to embody. He believes that consistent improvement, rather than immediate wins, will chart the program’s long‑term success.
The coach also credits the players themselves for influencing his elevation to head coach, a testament to the culture he hopes to sustain.
With a clear vision, a deeper roster and a schedule designed to test and develop talent, the Eagles are poised to write a new chapter in Zion Christian Academy’s football history.