Aiden Noto Shines in Lincoln-Way Central’s Victory

Aiden Noto of Lincoln-Way Central has always had strong role models in football. Last season, he looked up to senior running backs Luke Tingley and Justin Cobbs. However, his older brother Anthony, a former standout running back for the Knights and now at Illinois Wesleyan, has been his greatest mentor. Aiden expressed admiration for his brother, saying, “He shows me the way for everything. I just want to be like him.”

Now, Aiden is making his mark as a senior running back. On Saturday afternoon in New Lenox, he rushed for 98 yards, scoring a significant late touchdown. His performance helped Lincoln-Way Central secure a 21-13 victory over Missouri’s Lutheran North.

Aiden’s been working hard, for sure, said Gavin Ciesiun, who completed 9 of 12 passes for 116 yards. He’s a hard worker and he’s not scared to run the ball hard.

Austin Buerck contributed 86 yards and two touchdowns on 13 carries. Key defensive plays came from Alex Harper and Colin Slaney, who each recorded a sack.

In a tight game with Lincoln-Way Central leading 14-13, Noto capped an 11-play, 80-yard drive with a 10-yard touchdown run. This gave them a comfortable lead with 5:25 left on the clock. Ciesiun commented on Noto’s grit, emphasizing his determination in his final season.

For Lutheran North, Jonathan Moore threw a 20-yard touchdown pass to Addison Reynolds and ran for a 9-yard score. Despite their 0-3 record, they showed resilience in challenging the Knights.

Noto has prepared for moments like these since playing with the Junior Knights in third grade. He spent countless days training with Anthony, honing his skills. Noto reflected on those experiences, expressing gratitude for Anthony’s guidance.

Last season, Noto learned from Tingley and Cobbs, taking notes on their performance to enhance his own game. As a senior, he now leads a young Knights team by example. When Buerck left the game due to injury, Noto stepped up, ready for the challenge.

Standing at 5-foot-9 and 165 pounds, Noto plays with the toughness of a wrestler, a sport he pursued until his freshman year. He attributes his resilience on the field to wrestling, stating, “It’s all about mentality.”

Lincoln-Way Central coach Dave Woodburn noted the strong work ethic in Noto, which he credits to the Noto family upbringing. Woodburn praised Aiden’s performance, acknowledging his readiness and contribution to the team.