Dr. Joaquin Garcia High is no longer the baby brother of Palm Beach County.
After opening their doors two years ago, the Bulldogs had a lot to work on. Garcia would go finish at 1-11 in 2023 in their inaugural season, but those dog days did not last long. Following the addition of QB Caleb Butler, Garcia quickly found themselves commanding one of the top offenses in the 561. Butler’s elite 2024 elevated the entire offense, helping solidify a group of unlikely stars as household names.
That’s when we saw the emergence of Garcia’s most reliable offensive and defensive weapon: 2-way star, Zion Vilma (’27). Vilma, a 6 foot 2 WR/DB quickly solidified himself as a threat on both sides of the ball, routing up opposing DB’s and locking down your favorite receiver every Friday night. During his breakout sophomore season, Zion recorded 43 catches for 625 yards and,12 touchdowns offensively alongside, 18 tackles, 7 PBU’s and 1 Interception on defense.
Headed into his junior season, Zion is ready to prove last year wasn’t a fluke. When asked about what he did this off-season in order to prepare for the upcoming 2025 season, Zion stated:
“This offseason, I’ve been working getting bigger and stronger, while keeping my speed. I attacked the weight room, while also running track.” Vilma shared. “It helped me push my limits even when I felt uncomfortable in certain situations. I doubled my work load in the spring because I maintained football workouts after each track practice.”
Zion would follow up on the statement by saying: “I focused on track to fix my start and drive phase on my release. Also, it kept me competitive during the offseason. I’m looking forward to showcase my speed and agility alongside my hands. I want to show that I can be more physical at the line of scrimmage.”
Clearly, that speed training has paid off for Vilma, who recorded a 4.39u 40 yard dash on July 24th. During track season, Zion recorded an 11.03 100m, but got that down to 10.84 in an AAU meet.
Like it or not- Garcia is here, and they are contenders. The Bulldogs have some unfinished business headed into the 2025-26 season with one goal in sight: make that post season push.
“My ultimate goal is to continue to lead my team. I’m a team player, and I will do whatever it takes for us to win.” Vilma stated. “My goal is to not just win, it’s to dominate every game until we can’t be denied. We will become the first District Champions in program history. We will become the first playoff team in school history. I truly believe that.”
A lot of that confidence is instilled due to the connection that Zion has with QB1 Butler. This duo is one of the flashiest South Florida has to offer, and the fireworks show is not close to concluding. It’s evidently clear- Caleb and Zion are much more than friends or teammates, it’s a brotherhood.
“Zion and I have turned from strangers to teammates, and now from teammates into brothers.” Butler stated.” I will be honest, he is the BEST ’27 in Palm Beach County. He’s the best in South Florida. Turn on the tape, it speaks for itself. I’m proud of what he’s done, and how he’s made me better not only as a teammate but as a person. Don’t tell him I said this, but he makes me look good.”
“I feel that with Caleb and I, we’re an extension of each other.” Zion shared. “If I make a mistake somewhere, he’ll correct me -vice versa. It helps us excel in the game and compete day in and day out to be the best versions of ourselves.”
Zion currently holds one Division I FBS offer from Florida International. When asked what he wants Coaches and Scouts to know about him and how he can impact their program, Zion stated confidently:
“My work ethic sets me apart, no one will outwork me..I work when the cameras are off. Also my knowledge of the game allows me to be versatile and play on both sides of the ball.”
