Aiden Noto: A Promising Football Talent

Lincoln-Way Central’s Aiden Noto has been fortunate to have strong football mentors throughout his life. Last season, senior running backs Luke Tingley and Justin Cobbs were his role models. However, his primary source of inspiration has always been his older brother Anthony. Anthony, a former running back for the Knights, now plays for Illinois Wesleyan.

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

Now, Aiden is stepping into his brother’s shoes, shining brightly in the Knights’ backfield. On Saturday afternoon in New Lenox, Aiden rushed for 98 yards and scored a crucial touchdown in Lincoln-Way Central’s 21-13 victory over Lutheran North from Missouri.

Austin Buerck contributed significantly with 86 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 13 carries. Gavin Ciesiun excelled by completing 9 of 12 passes for 116 yards, while Alex Harper and Colin Slaney each recorded a sack, leading the defense.

With a narrow 14-13 lead, the Knights embarked on an 11-play, 80-yard drive capped by Aiden’s decisive 10-yard touchdown run. This provided the team with a comfortable margin, five minutes and 25 seconds before the game’s end. Ciesiun anticipated Aiden’s readiness during critical moments.

“Aiden’s been working hard, for sure. He’s a little scrappy out there. He’s not the biggest running back, for sure, but he’s a hard worker and he’s not scared to go out there and run the ball hard. This is his last season, so he’s making the most of his opportunities, for sure,” Ciesiun remarked.

Meanwhile, Jonathan Moore threw a 20-yard touchdown pass to Addison Reynolds and ran for a 9-yard score for Lutheran North.

For Aiden, these opportunities have been a lifelong preparation since his days with the Junior Knights starting in third grade. Many training sessions involved his brother Anthony.

“Anthony would always take me out to practice, run back drills with him, do whatever we could to get better,” Aiden said.

Throughout high school, Aiden patiently awaited his turn, closely observing Tingley and Cobbs last season. “I learned a lot from them,” Aiden said. “Two great dudes. I couldn’t ask for two better guys to show me the way.”

Now, as a senior, he mentors the young Knights team, demonstrating leadership. Last Saturday, he became the primary runner after Buerck’s injury. But Aiden was prepared for the challenge.

“I’m always ready for whatever,” he said. “Anything they need me to do. Buerck’s my guy, so I just wanted to get that win for him.”

Aiden may be only 5-foot-9 and weigh 165 pounds, yet he embodies the tenacity of a wrestler. Until his freshman year, he was active in wrestling, a sport he ultimately had to leave behind.

“I love wrestling,” Aiden said. “It definitely gave me that edge to battle on the football field. That’s what you need. It’s all about mentality.”

Lincoln-Way Central coach Dave Woodburn recognizes this mindset, noting its familial roots.

“Aiden has been good all year, popping into situations wherever we need him,” Woodburn commented. “He got asked to carry the load Saturday and he did it. He’s earned it. He works his butt off in the weight room. He’s a team player. He does whatever we ask him to do.

“That’s how those Notos are. That’s how those kids were raised and that’s how they play, and I’m proud of them.”