Catches, touchdowns and yards will get you noticed.

And Justin Rodda had plenty of each in Northwestern’s 57-28 win over Palmerton last Friday.

The senior sizzled with five grabs for 138 yards and two touchdowns.

Rodda showed his versatility, scoring on a 40-yard run and catching a 75-yard touchdown pass from Justin Holmes.

It was a performance that helped the Tigers roll up 540 yards of total offense - second-most in school history behind the 577 they put up against Lehighton in 2007 - and earn Rodda Times News Football Player of the Week honors.

Rodda ensured that the award would stay in New Tripoli after Holmes won it a week earlier.

“It’s pretty cool that we had two players two weeks in a row win Player of the Week,” said Rodda, who now has 23 career receiving touchdowns, tied with Cam Richardson (2012-14) for the most in school history.

“We try so hard during practice, pushing ourselves to become better players. As a team, we’re able to come together and play really well on Friday nights and win games.”

As a sophomore, Rodda was second in the area with 38 grabs for 753 yards and 12 scores. He also carried the ball 30 times for 166 yards and a touchdown, building on the playing time he earned as a freshman.

Rodda had 22 catches for 351 yards and seven touchdowns in 2019. He also carried the ball 13 times for 91 yards.

But his season was cut short due to an injury in a 42-7 win over Palmerton in Week 6.

His latest gem showed that he’s back to full strength, with season highs in receiving yards and catches.

“Rodda’s a guy that’s been doing it around here for the last three years,” said Northwestern head coach Josh Snyder. “He had a really big year as a sophomore. And against Palmerton last year is when he broke his shoulder blade, so he wasn’t able to finish the rest of the season. So to see him get over that hump and have a game like he did against Palmerton this year was nice to see.

“We have a bunch of weapons this year, there’s no doubt about that. We’re not really a grind-it-out type of team; we’re more of a big play team this year. With Justin Holmes, and Justin Rodda, and Nick Henry and the emergence of Cade Christopher as well, we have four guys that can do it in a number of different ways, and that’s exciting because they all like to share the ball. They want it in their hands, but they realize we’re a better team if we can spread it out, and they can’t really zero in on one person. I’ve been sort of looking for a breakout game from Rodda this year, and this was it in a big way.”

The Tigers (3-1) have had no trouble spreading the ball around to their playmakers, and are currently averaging an area-best 42.5 points and 399.0 yards per game.

“We ask him to play multiple different positions, and he played three different positions on Friday night in the slot, the fullback and running back position,” Snyder said of Rodda. “And that’s just on offense. He’s really dynamic in terms of what he can do with the ball in his hands, and he’s also a great blocker, and just like the rest of these skill guys, really selfless.

“They know that they need to block for their buddies because when it’s their turn, that comes back around for them. I’m really happy about that with this group.”

Rodda doesn’t have a favorite play. He’s more interested in whatever will help the team be successful.

“My favorite thing about our offense is that we usually have a play for every type of situation that we’re in, usually,” he said. “We spread the ball out when we have to; run up the middle when we have to. Just do what we need to do to be successful and get the ball down the field.

“The experience that I have definitely helps. I started four years now, and I usually just apply everything that I know and try to help my teammates, and make sure everything is done right. We just try to do the best we can, and put the ball in the end zone.”

In 2019, Northwestern led the area with 38.6 points and 389.7 yards per game. The Tigers were tops in yards (375.5) and second in points (37.5) in 2018.

After the graduation of record-setting quarterback Deven Bollinger and the entire offensive line following the 2019 season, Rodda’s return and the stellar play of those around him has ensured that Northwestern’s offense continues to operate at a high level.

“It was difficult losing so many seniors from last year,” Rodda said. “But I’m proud of our team for stepping up; the younger kids especially on the line. They block with all they’ve got and help the skill guys make plays to find the end zone and ultimately win games.

“We try to go 1-0 each week, and win as we go. We just want to see how far we can get, and hopefully we win a championship this year and make the best of what we have for this season.”