Vote: Ames Tribune male Athlete of the Week for Sept. 22-28

This past week saw Ames-area teams compete in Week 5 of Iowa high school football.

Ballard scored the biggest victory of the week from Ames-area teams. The Bombers upset Class 4A No. 9 Indianola, 16-14.

Gilbert, ranked No. 5 in 4A, blasted Des Moines Hoover, 56-0. Nevada crushed Perry, 55-0, Roland-Story cruised to a 42-17 homecoming victory over Southeast Valley, Collins-Maxwell edged Glidden-Ralston in a 46-42 thriller and Colo-NESCO won a 50-48 barnburner over Baxter.

Ames came up short against 5A No. 2 West Des Moines Valley at home, 49-14.

There were outstanding performances from area high school football players during the week. Other area athletes stepped up in cross country and golf.

Here are the Ames Tribune's male Athlete of the Week candidates for the week of Sept. 22-28. AmesTrib.com readers vote to determine the winners, who will be announced at the end of the week.

Sam Hoffman, Ballard

Hoffman kicked three field goals for the Ballard football team in its victory over Indianola, including the game-winner as time expired.

Hoffman drilled field goals from 22, 31 and 35 yards out. The 35-yarder won the game.

Connor King, Nevada

King became Nevada's all-time leader in passing touchdowns during the Cub football team's victory over Perry on Sept. 27.

King completed 8 of 10 passes for 129 yards and two touchdowns in the victory.

Mark Bower, Colo-NESCO

Bower came up big on both sides of the ball during the Colo-NESCO football team's dramatic victory over Baxter on Sept. 27.

He ran for 100 yards and three touchdowns on just seven carries. He also made 10 tackles.

Cooper Wierson, Collins-Maxwell

Wierson accounted for five touchdowns during the Collins-Maxwell football team's exciting victory over Glidden-Ralson on Sept. 27.

He threw for 179 yards and four touchdowns while adding 112 yards and one touchdown on the ground.

Logan Bleich, Gilbert

Bleich helped the Class 3A No. 1 Gilbert cross country team claim the Indianola Invitational championship on Sept. 26 at Pickard Park in Indianola.

Bleich broke 15 minutes with a 5-kilometer time of 14 minutes, 59.8 seconds. He edged out teammate Jacob Tallman, who finished in 15:02.02, for first place individually.

Joe Randleman covers high school sports for the Ames Tribune. Contact him at jrandleman@gannett.com . Follow him on Twitter at @JoeRandleman

This article originally appeared on Ames Tribune: Vote: Ames Tribune male Athlete of the Week for Sept. 22-28