Some help requested in picking best player

Dear Santa,

//

I don't know how you do it.

Each year, lists of names need to be classified "naughty" or "nice." Each year, you get it done.

How about a little help? I've got stacks of papers from a month's worth of All-County selections and another week of decisions to make. Can your methods be applied to choosing athletes?

I bet not. All you do is place each person in one of two categories.

I have two All-County teams left to finalize -- softball and football. The softball team will probably be a decision for each position on the field based on how each played defensively and performed at the plate. Stats, postseason honors and intangibles come into play. Add another pitcher and probably a utility spot. And that's just the first team.

The football selections require decisions at each position, on both sides of the ball. I'm sure the monotony of all your list-checking is a mental drain. But try breaking down the performance of offensive linemen.

I tell you what, though, after a few tries, I'm starting to get the process down. But I could use some input on another aspect of the selections: picking the county's top football player.

Here is a rundown of some of the top candidates. I'm sure they're all on your "nice" list.

Mark Weidenaar, Lakeside

Sophomore's stellar season ended in unfortunate fashion. He was on the sideline with a cracked vertebrae for Lakeside's playoff loss to Westside-Macon.

Weidenaar had made his case, however. As a quarterback, a receiver and a kick returner, he led the Panthers in all-purpose yards.

Zach Morris, Harlem

The quarterback was one of the few remaining playmakers for Harlem after the rezoning. Predictions were grim for coach Jimmie Lewis' team. But behind Morris, the Bulldogs matched their 2008 win total. The quarterback rushed for more than 1,000 yards in the option attack.

Kendal Parker, Lakeside

Newcomer was a difference-maker at linebacker on what was an already solid defensive unit. He finished with more than 100 tackles, including 17 for loss.

Seth Hill, Grovetown

The Warriors senior rushed for more than 1,400 yards during the school's inaugural football campaign. He averaged more than 14 yards per kickoff return.

Jonathan Finch, Evans

Knights senior running back was County Player of the Year as a junior. He again led the Knights rushing.

There you are, Santa. Those aren't all the contenders, but there is a good chance the winner could come from this list. Please get back to me by early next week with your thoughts if there's nothing else going on. Maybe some of the county's residents would like to weigh in as well.

Feliz Navidad ,

Stephen

P.S.-- I don't have any specific gift requests for myself. But someone has been dropping me hints of their wish list by passing along advertisements from jewelry retailers. Again, a little help?