Seeing is believing, and senior middle linebacker Tony Minnec is turning heads and making believers after flying under the radar in a challenging first year on the varsity for Batavia.

Defensive coordinator Matt Holm offered up high praise for Minnec, especially as the leader of a young group.

“We’ve been giving up way more points than I’m used to and can handle in my heart,” Holm said. “That said, we are making progress. On any given play, depending on what I’ve called, we could have five sophomores out there.

“Tony is the heart and soul. He’s the rock for this defense.”

The 6-foot, 210-pound Minnec has taken a big step this fall for Batavia (4-2) since suffering a serious leg injury early in 2024 summer workouts due to his drive.

“It was the third day of camp,” Minnec said. “I was in physical therapy until the end of camp and didn’t start playing again until the end of Week 6 or 7.”

Batavia’s Tony Minnec (6) sacks Lincoln-Way Central’s Drew Woodburn (4) for a loss during a Class 7A state semifinal game in New Lenox on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024. (Sean King / The Beacon-News)

In the final game of the regular season, Minnec started for the first time at weakside inside linebacker, continuing in that role through the playoffs. He shared snaps with Nick Jansey.

Minnec finished with 47 total tackles (43 solo) to rank fifth on the team.

More physical therapy following the playoffs kept him from participating in track as he prepared for his senior year.

“He took the starting ‘Mike’ position, which is big in any defense and particularly ours,” Holm said of Minnec. “He makes the calls and has been tremendous.”

Batavia’s Tony Minnec (6) reacts after returning an interception for a TD against Glenbard West in the first quarter of a nonconference game in Batavia on Friday, Aug. 29, 2025. (Mark Black / The Beacon-News)

Through six games, Minnec has matched or eclipsed last season’s stat totals. He leads the team with 54 tackles, including 13 for loss and two sacks, to go with two interceptions, four passes defended and 12 quarterback hurries.

“It really ended up being he loves to hit,” Holm said. “Those guys that play in that position are strong and we do a lot of different things with them.”

Last season’s health issue limited his experience, but Minnec continues to make up for lost time and teams up with Jansey inside to give the Bulldogs strong play in the center of the defense.

Losing two senior standout safeties to graduation has also taken a toll.

Batavia’s Tony Minnec (6) steps up to make an interception that he returns for a TD against Glenbard West in the first quarter of a nonconference game in Batavia on Friday, Aug. 29, 2025. (Mark Black / The Beacon-News)

Batavia lost in Week 1 to Glenbard West on a last-second field goal and lost in Week 5 to St. Charles North on a last-second TD and subsequent 2-point conversion. The Bulldogs bounced back to beat Geneva last week on a late field goal.

That’s three games decided by seven total points.

“Those two losses were tough, a sharp feeling after the games,” Minnec said. “It was a tough way to lose both of them. I feel like we’ve bounced back better.

“We’ve used those losses to further our development, especially on defense, I know.”

Minnec and Jansey were among a good-sized group of sophomores that Batavia coach Dennis Piron brought up for an extended playoff run.

“It was a huge benefit, being able to be working with coach Holm for an additional four to five weeks of practice,” Minnec said. “I mean, you become 10 times better.”

What was his first impression of the veteran coach?

“Scared,” Minnec said. “A very scary dude until he softens up on you and cracks a few jokes. He’s very knowledgeable. He knows everything.”

Minnec began playing flag football in Batavia’s youth program and high-level travel soccer through eighth grade. His class lost their seventh-grade introduction to tackle football due to the pandemic.

“I have to give soccer credit for my legs, which I feel like are very powerful,” Minnec said.

Minnec hopes to play football at the next level, though, if he can impress this season.

“I believe we’ll go on a long playoff run because we’re going to keep improving,” he said. “We have an insanely developed offense and a defense that keeps learning and keeps getting better.”

https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/10/07/tony-minnec-batavia-ihsa-football/