Another year is about to begin, and each new year brings a chance for change.

Here are my wishes for the new year, when it comes to area high school sports:

For the Pomona football team, just one more win to cap off a championship season.

An olive branch for the Highlands Ranch and ThunderRidge football programs so they can get together, talk and maybe end their differences.

Contending football teams for Douglas County and Castle View, so that Castle Rock football gets back on the map.

No additional classifications added by the Colorado High School Activities Association. There are already too many.

For Westminster football, another season like 2015, which created so much spirit and excitement.

In baseball, that CHSAA finds a way to add a pitch-count scoreboard for the playoffs so discrepancies can be discussed before the final innings.

In soccer, that state playoff games can be determined without shootouts.

A couple seventh-inning hits so that Heritage's baseball team can get out of the district tournament and advance to the double-elimination state tourney.

From a spectator's viewpoint, a mercy rule for basketball.

That all coaches, especially wrestling coaches, can file results of dual meets, along with the major tournament results. And rosters would really be helpful. High school hockey, for one, has a great website for results.

Fun for cross-country runners and 1,600-meter athletes in track - because it sure doesn't look enjoyable for many runners at the end of races.

That somehow the state-qualifying golf tournaments will be 36-hole events instead of one-day 18-hole affairs.

In all sports, that rivalries continue in a competitive, but friendly fashion.

And most of all, a happy and healthy 2017 for everyone.

Jim Benton is a sports writer for Colorado Community Media. He has been covering sports in the Denver area since 1968. He can be reached at jbenton@coloradocommunitymedia.com or at 303-566-4083.