Aiden Noto had influential role models during his football journey. Last season, senior running backs Luke Tingley and Justin Cobbs served as examples. However, his older brother, Anthony, who excelled at running back for Lincoln-Way Central before playing for Illinois Wesleyan, remains his main inspiration. “That’s my big brother,” Noto says. “He shows me the way for everything. I just want to be like him.”
Now a senior, Aiden Noto is stepping into the spotlight in the Knights’ backfield. He demonstrated his skills Saturday afternoon in New Lenox, rushing for 98 yards and delivering a crucial late touchdown. This helped Lincoln-Way Central secure a 21-13 victory over Missouri’s Lutheran North. Teammate Austin Buerck contributed 86 yards and two touchdowns on 13 carries, while quarterback Gavin Ciesiun completed 9 of 12 passes for 116 yards. Alex Harper and Colin Slaney each recorded a sack to boost the defense.
With the Knights leading 14-13, they initiated an 11-play, 80-yard drive, culminating in Noto’s 10-yard touchdown, providing them with a buffer of 5:25 left in the game. Ciesiun was confident in Noto’s ability to deliver under pressure. “Aiden’s been working hard,” Ciesiun remarks. “He’s not the biggest running back, but he’s a hard worker and not afraid to run hard. Being his last season, he’s making the most of his opportunities.”
Lutheran North’s Jonathan Moore threw a 20-yard touchdown pass to Addison Reynolds and ran for a 9-yard touchdown, though his team remains winless. Noto’s journey started early, playing with the Junior Knights in third grade. His brother frequently accompanied him to practice, focusing on running back drills.
Noto observed Tingley and Cobbs at practice last year, learning extensively from them. “Two great dudes,” Noto recalls. “I couldn’t ask for better guys to show me the way.” Now, as a senior, Noto leads a youthful Knights team. In the game against Lutheran North, he assumed a leading role after Buerck sustained an injury. “I’m always ready for whatever,” he states. “Buerck’s my guy, so I just wanted to win for him.”
Standing at 5-foot-9 and 165 pounds, Noto’s tenacity on the field matches that of a wrestler, a sport he left after freshman year. “I love wrestling,” Noto says. “It gave me the edge to battle on the football field. It’s all about mentality.”
Lincoln-Way Central coach Dave Woodburn recognizes this attitude. “Aiden has been great all year, stepping in where needed,” Woodburn explains. “He worked hard Saturday and earned it. He’s a team player and upholds the Noto family values. I’m proud of him.”