NEEDHAM — As the sun set last fall, those that flocked to the hill at Needham High School for football games were left with memories, many of which they will never forget.

The Rockets enjoyed one of their best seasons in program history, steamrolling to an appearance in the Div. 1 Final Four with a 10-2 record. Now Needham is off to a blazing 3-0 start. One of the primary reasons is the emergence of Aidan Williams.

Williams finished with 64 carries for 500 yards while adding five receptions for 61 more yards and six total touchdowns in 2023. Defensively, he proved to be an anchor with eight sacks and nine tackles for a loss. He also forced three fumbles.

Now, the senior running back and linebacker is looking to launch the Rockets to new heights in 2024, and he has a large group of returning teammates joining him.

“Ever since youth, this grade we had, the senior class we had, we always knew that we were going to be special,” said Williams. “And it was really just a culmination of all the work we have put in through all the years. Through middle school, through COVID, through our early years in high school, through all of us playing sophomore year at varsity. We had the most wins in Needham history. So it was a special year for us, and we’re hoping to build on that for this year.”

The Rockets came dauntingly close to a trip to Gillette in 2023, faltering to eventual state champion Xaverian in a dramatic 20-17 semifinal contest. This time, Williams and  classmates intend to capitalize should the opportunity present itself again.

So far, they have worked toward delivering on that promise. The Rockets have outscored their opposition at a ridiculous 78-15 clip, with impressive victories over perennial powers Milton (24-0), Natick (20-7) and, most recently, Lincoln-Sudbury (34-8).

Williams has already scampered for 275 yards and four touchdowns. He has also accounted for 17 tackles, three of which have gone for a loss. He has registered three sacks, an interception, a fumble recovery, and a defensive touchdown as well.

“When you have a taste of it last year (you’re hungry),” Williams said. “It’s definitely a (tough) offseason. Our two losses were by a combined four points. We’re definitely going into the offseason with that. Little extra motivation for us to take the next step from being a great team to a championship-contender team. That’s what we want to do.”

Playing for a Bay State Conference program like Needham means you have plenty of history to work with. During the majority of his 21-year coaching career, Doug Kopsco has stood along the Rockets’ sideline. For the past seven seasons, he has served as the team’s head coach. He views Williams as one of the top players he’s coached.

“He’s right up there,” said Kopsco. “He’s one of the best natural athletes, but more importantly, he’s one of the hardest workers we’ve ever had. One of the highest-character guys we’ve ever had. So, he’s truly one of the most special Needham Rockets we’ve ever had in the program.”

Kopsco had more praise later.

“I can’t wait to see what he does at the next level,” Kopsco said. “He’s just an amazing human being. He’s really elevated our entire program. He’s one of those guys that’s a culture builder. You’ve got some guys that follow it, do a good job of parroting what you say. He’s a guy who’s actually helped to build some of what we are today.”

Williams had no shortage of college suitors, with seven schools offering him a spot at the NCAA level. After some time to think, and getting to know the school’s coaching staff, the senior opted to commit to Lehigh University, which has some unique ties to his family roots. His mother played basketball for archrival Lafayette, after all.

“Once the recruiting window was open in the winter, they were the first ones to offer me out of the junior year recruiting cycle. I just got to build a really good relationship with their staff. Really love the school, love the campus. Obviously, it’s a great academic institution, so are all the Patriot League schools. I just felt comfortable with that staff, with what my role would be going there, and the opportunities I have to contribute early on. Being at a program with a lot of history was very enticing to join,” he said.

Needham will look to continue its undefeated season with a game against Bay State Conference foe Newton North this week, before facing Walpole on Oct. 4.

When asked what he will remember the most about his tenure at Needham, Williams glanced back at the slope by the school, a determined look in his eye.

“From us just being those little kids on the hill watching all the varsity guys back when we were in fifth or sixth grade, to now just being able to be in that spotlight,” said Williams. “To be the face of the community for football these past few years has been really special.”

Needham High senior Aidan Williams will continue his football career next year at Lehigh University. (Nancy Lane/Boston Herald)

AIDAN WILLIAMS PROFILE

NAME: Aidan Williams

SCHOOL: Needham High School

AGE: 18

HEIGHT/WEIGHT: 6’2, 215 lbs

POSITION: OLB/RB

NICKNAME: None

FAMILY: Dad (Vaughn), mom (Eileen), sister (Lacey), brother (Austin)

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: First team All Bay State, Boston Herald All Scholastic, New England Football Journal All-State honorable mention

FAVORITE PERSONAL MOMENT IN SPORTS: Winning our Final Four playoff game last year

FAVORITE COURSE IN SCHOOL: History

LEAST FAVORITE COURSE IN SCHOOL: Science

FAVORITE PIGOUT FOOD: Five Guys

FAVORITE TV SHOW: The Walking Dead

FAVORITE MOVIE: Pirates of the Caribbean

FAVORITE MUSICIAN: Drake

FAVORITE VIDEO GAME: EA CFB 25

FAVORITE SMARTPHONE APP: X

FAVORITE TWITTER ACCOUNT TO FOLLOW: Lehigh football

FAVORITE PRO TEAM: Atlanta Falcons

FAVORITE ATHLETE: AJ Dillon

HOW DO YOU PREPARE FOR A GAME: Eat my pregame meal and listen to music

IF YOU COULD BE SOMEONE ELSE FOR A DAY WHO WOULD IT BE: Lebron James

CAREER AMBITIONS: Be an athletic director