Aiden Noto’s Journey to Shine in Lincoln-Way Central’s Backfield

Lincoln-Way Central’s Aiden Noto has always had strong football role models. Last year, he looked up to senior running backs Luke Tingley and Justin Cobbs. His lifelong mentor and source of inspiration, however, has been his older brother, Anthony. Anthony also played as a running back for the Knights and now competes for Illinois Wesleyan.

That’s my big brother, Noto said. He shows me the way for everything. I want to be like him.

This season, Aiden Noto is getting his opportunity to excel in the Knights’ backfield. He showcased his skills on Saturday afternoon in New Lenox, rushing for 98 yards and scoring a crucial late touchdown. His performance helped Lincoln-Way Central secure a 21-13 victory over Lutheran North from Missouri.

Austin Buerck contributed with 86 yards and two touchdowns on 13 carries for the Knights, bringing their record to 3-1. Quarterback Gavin Ciesiun completed 9 of 12 passes for 116 yards. On defense, Alex Harper and Colin Slaney each recorded a sack.

With the Knights holding a narrow 14-13 lead, they executed an 11-play, 80-yard drive. Noto capped the drive with a 10-yard touchdown run, providing some breathing room with 5:25 remaining in the game.

Ciesiun expressed confidence in Noto’s readiness to perform under pressure. Aiden’s been working hard, he said. He’s not the biggest running back, but he works hard and isn’t afraid to run the ball.

Jonathan Moore threw a 20-yard touchdown pass to Addison Reynolds and ran for a 9-yard score for Lutheran North, whose record fell to 0-3.

Noto’s readiness for these opportunities is a result of preparation since he began playing with the Junior Knights in third grade. He credited his brother for his development. Anthony would always take me to practice and run drills to improve, Noto said.

Throughout high school, Noto was patient, learning from Tingley and Cobbs last season. I learned a lot from them, Noto said. They were two great guys who showed me the way.

Now a senior, Noto leads a young Knights team by example. He took on a leading role in the second half on Saturday after Buerck left the game due to injury, and he was ready to take the challenge.

I’m always ready for whatever, Noto said. Buerck’s my guy, and I wanted to win for him.

Despite standing at 5-foot-9 and weighing 165 pounds, Noto plays with the tenacity of a wrestler. He competed in wrestling until his freshman year. I love wrestling; it gave me that edge on the football field, Noto said. It’s all about mentality.

This attitude is familiar to Lincoln-Way Central coach Dave Woodburn. Aiden has been stepping up wherever we need him, Woodburn said. He carried the load on Saturday and earned it. He works hard in the weight room and does what we ask of him. That’s the Noto way, and I’m proud of them.