“I knew (Wachusett’s quarterback) liked to get the ball out in the first two seconds,” Williams said. “The whole defense became aware of his tendencies. I read where his eyes were going and timed it.

On Needham’s first offensive play, Williams scored a 45-yard touchdown, then added two more scores for a record four touchdowns in the first half of a 49-13 rout.

Last season, Williams helped Needham go 10-2 with a trip to the D1 semifinals by leading the defense. With the graduation of all-conference running back Tate Hoffmeister (now a freshman at Trinity), the Lehigh-bound linebacker smoothly stepped into a new leadership role, without missing a beat defensively.

“I’ve called (Williams) a unicorn for years,” Needham coach Doug Kopsco said. “He is a football savant, who puts in the time and effort to elevate his game even further. When you are a top athlete and have mastered your work ethic, I really can’t suggest much . We’re just trying to give him the tools so he can take advantage of his natural abilities. And he really is the type of player that every other player on the team benefits from being around.

When Needham (9-0) hosts No. 5 Central Catholic (6-3) Friday night in the round of 32, Williams will face a defense coached by its offseason coach.

Jason Fielding (2005), a former Central Catholic linebacker, is in his sixth year on staff and second as the Raiders’ defensive coordinator. A former preseason All-American at Westfield State, he runs the Pact Performance training program in Hampstead, NH and North Andover.

For two years, Williams has risen before dawn to travel north for workouts that start at 6 or 7 a.m. That dedication has helped him become an elite linebacker, who still has the stamina to rush for over 1,200 yards and 17 touchdowns this season.

“I watched the film and (Williams) continues to light people up and catch passes, while carrying the load of the offense,” Fielding said. “He’s just a complete athlete and a versatile kid, so I’m not surprised.”

Fielding trains with many of the best defensive players in the area, so it’s nothing new to face one of his clients in a big game.

“It’s an interesting dynamic,” Fielding said. “I want the kids to do well, but when they play against you, competitiveness comes into play. It’s a challenge and we look forward to the opportunity.”

Central is young across the board, with safety Jefferson Morales and nose guard Mike Hoadley being two of the only seniors on the defense. Fielding helped a team of sophomores and juniors shine at linebacker, with the group improving significantly since Connor Cowan’s return from a foot injury.

“For years, I admired the work (Fielding) did with our linebackers,” Central coach John Sexton said. “He’s a humble guy and he’s getting better and better. We are really lucky to have him.

The Raiders’ defensive front faces a huge challenge Friday in the form of Needham’s offensive line, which includes 6-foot-4, 295-pound tackle Charlie Simeone (committed to Holy Cross) and 6-foot-7 tight end and 240 lbs. ending Will McDonald (Army) among others. With the 6-foot-2, 220-pound Williams behind those giants, the Rockets have outscored their opponents, 279-56, in their nine wins.

Williams continues to show his nose for the football with 50 tackles, 6 assists, 3 interceptions, a fumble recovery and two defensive touchdowns. His instincts developed from a young age, when he started at quarterback at the youth level, and slotted in as a dual-threat option in wildcat lineups in high school.

He now leads a group of talented seniors into the later rounds of the playoffs, with potential matchups against more powerful private schools if they can get past Central Catholic. Yet after facing eventual champion Xaverian last year, Needham officials are confident they can compete with anyone.

“Last year we were still learning how to win in big games,” Williams said. “So with a lot of seniors coming back with that experience and knowing what to expect in the big games, we feel ready to handle that pressure.” We expected these kinds of situations and I hope we can surpass what we did last year.