Rantoul football players, from left, Emarion White, Drew Owen, DJ Davis and Jordyn Rice ham it up in The News-Gazette office before the start of the 2024 season.
What to know about Rantoul before the Eagles kick off their season Friday night against Charleston:
Their quarterback are...DJ Davis and Jordyn Rice, and coach Brett Trefren said they're both "competing at a really high level." Davis, a senior, is more athletic and has been playing the position in Rantoul's system for three years now. "DJ has a ton of experience at quarterback," Trefren said. "He's also a really good leader on the field. He talks, and people listen. He's always willing to step up." Rice, a sophomore, has gotten good at reading defenses and has proven to be coachable. The interesting dynamic between the two is they grew up together, and they're viewing this quarterback race as a friendly competition rather than a heated battle. "It's definitely fun," Rice said. "It's a different kind of bond. To be competing with somebody so close to me is super fun." No matter how the position shakes out this year, the fact that Rice is showing this much promise as a sophomore has Davis excited for the next couple years. "My eyes widen every time I think about the future. I feel like we're in good hands," Davis said. "It's amazing to me. I'm competing with him, and he's like my little cousin."
Their quarterback of the defense are ...a pair of seniors, linebacker Darius Williams and defensive back Emarion White. Trefren said he would have strictly gone with White for this role if he wasn't planning to use him for the majority of the offensive snaps at wide receiver, too. Still, Williams is by no means a step back. Williams led the Eagles in tackles last year and was voted the team's defensive MVP, never coming off the field. "Darius is our best defensive player," Trefren said. "He's the quickest closer I've ever seen on one of our teams." It was a rocky road for Rantoul's defense last season, allowing just over 55 points per game. Trefren said keeping confidence, for both players and coaches, was a challenge, but the relationship this team has built is a big reason why players keep coming back. "Love for the game and love for the players," White said. "I feel like we've built a great bond, and we always have each other's back."
A successful season means ...getting that winning feeling. Earlier in the summer, all Rantoul players and coaches signed a contract of sorts to commit to the program and the process that comes with being a part of the program. More than 80 kids have signed that contract, and it's all in an effort to get back in the win column. "Favorite group I've coached so far," Trefren said. "They're really committed and devoted, and they're working hard. Our goal this year is to play competitive football, and I think we'll have a chance to do that in quite a few games." The Eagles haven't won a game since 2018, and Trefren taking the reins means they've now had four coaches in as many years. Trefren, a 2011 Rantoul graduate, has been an assistant coach for the program since 2018. He's a familiar face, someone the players can trust and a former player who knows what it's like to win. "I don't even think I can put into words how bad we want to win and how hungry we are for it," White said. "I feel like we're going to go out there and get the job done. Everybody has the same mindset and same goal, to go out there and win a game and be competitive."
Follow the EaglesRantoul's 2024 scheduleDate Opponent Time
Aug. 30 vs. Charleston 7 p.m.
Sept. 6 at Bloomington Central Catholic 7 p.m.
Sept. 13 vs. Pontiac 7 p.m.
Sept. 20 vs. Prairie Central 7 p.m.
Sept. 27 at Paxton-Buckley-Loda 7 p.m.
Oct. 4 vs. Monticello 7 p.m.
Oct. 11 at Unity 7 p.m.
Oct. 18 vs. St. Joseph-Ogden 7 p.m.
Oct. 25 at Chillicothe IVC 7 p.m.
Meet the staffHead coach:
Brett Trefren
Assistant head coach:
Andre Britten
Defensive coordinator:
Dre Beldo
Assistant coach:
Ryan Wines
Assistant coach:
Jeff Stevenson
Assistant coach:
Cole Hanks
Assistant coach:
Paul Mager
Director of fun/social media:
Josh Hinkley
Zach Piatt