The sixth pair of nominees for the 2009 Athlete of the Year award come from A.L. Johnson High School.

One was the upbeat, high energy leader of the ALJ girls basketball team who not only shouldered the load on a young team, but also embodied school spirit as the ALJ mascot.

The other is a humble, softspoken linebacker who taps into unforeseen aggression on the gridiron.

The tandem represents the sixth of seven sets of nominees to come from each high school in Marengo County.

The Times will announce the winner of the 2009 Athlete of the Year award in its May 23 edition.