Players of the week

by Zach James

The good fortune for Simpson athletics this fall just keeps on rolling.

Four Simpson student-athletes were mentioned by the Iowa Conference as Athletes of the Week in their respective sports.

After pulling off a fantastic first round of golf in the conference tournament, Gaffney turned in a final-round 86 to win by two strokes individually leading to her later being named IIAC Women’s Golfer of the Year.

Three football players also received weekly honors after their big win against rival Central.

The offensive player of the week for the Iowa Conference went to quarterback Taylor Nelson. Nelson threw for 199 yards and a touchdown while getting a touchdown of his own with his legs. Nelson’s 86 rushing yards is the most by a Simpson player this season and with his passing touchdowns, he has thrown at least one touchdown in each of the last 13 games.

One of Nelson’s favorite targets, Brad Vogel, received the Special Teams Player of the Week. Vogel has returned a touchdown for a season-best 93 yards earlier this season against Eureka (Ill.), but he received this honor returned two kickoffs for 67 yards in tough weather conditions.

The IIAC Defensive Player of the Week was senior linebacker Ben Borland. Borland had nine tackles on the win against the Dutch (six solo), while helping hold the pass-heavy Dutch offense to only 311 yards.