North Hagerstown and Smithsburg high schools each have six candidates for Athlete of the Year as The Herald-Mail begins selecting the fall 2009 All-County teams.

Boonsboro has five finalists, followed by Williamsport with four. Broadfording Christian, Grace Academy and Hancock each have one Athlete of the Year candidate.

The Herald-Mail will release its All-County teams beginning Dec. 7. The All-County teams and athletes of the year are selected by members of the sports staff.

The candidates for Athlete of the Year are listed in alphabetical order by sport with the publication date for the corresponding All-County team.

Golf

Publication date: Dec. 7

Chris Bushey, Smithsburg

Aaron Staley, North Hagerstown

Zach Weber, Williamsport

Girls Cross Country

Publication date: Dec. 8

Alison Harrell, North Hagerstown

Lauren Johnson, Smithsburg

Sarah Zielinski, Boonsboro

Boys Cross Country

Publication date: Dec. 9

Evan Hardy, Williamsport

Evan Moser, Boonsboro

David Wilson, Smithsburg

Girls Soccer

Publication date: Dec. 10

Jackie Keller, North Hagerstown

Alyssa Monninger, Boonsboro

Katie Ritter, North Hagerstown

Boys Soccer

Publication date: Dec. 11

Luke Bunting, Grace Academy

Nelson Moreno, North Hagerstown

Bryan Whitmore, Williamsport

Volleyball

Publication date: Dec. 12

Taylor Belella, Smithsburg

Danielle Dubois, Broadfording Christian

Sara Rishell, Smithsburg

Football

Publication date: Dec. 13

Offense

Drew Lowery, Boonsboro

Casey McKenrick, Williamsport

Anthony Winter, North Hagerstown

Defense

Nieko Akers, Smithsburg

Nick Harvey, Hancock

Scott Haupt, Boonsboro