The year of 2020 hasn’t been great for really any of us. As the year winds down, and we reflect on the past few months, it can be hard to find much positivity or uplifting thoughts.

For that reason alone, I’m wishing especially hard for my Christmas wishes this year.

1. Healthy Teams

These days, who knows who is going to be feeling sick, what test results will be, and how accurately/appropriately “contact” will be traced. I wish for players to be healthy in the hours leading up to the game, during the game and after the game.

Additionally, Midshipmen and Cadets will be in attendance as well as coaches and other support staff. As difficult as this year has been, executing a good ol’ fashioned rivalry football game without virus, sickness or injury would bring joy to my heart.

Photo by Edward Diller/Getty Images

2. High Quality Service Academy Football

The inconsistencies with this college football season has resulted in a dramatic drop in the quality of football played by both Army and Navy. Although Navy has been victim to a significantly higher number of penalties and turnovers than years past.

For this game, I am wishing for a low number of flags on the field, and some good ol’ fashioned triple-option offense. Long drives and no turnovers is how this game is going to be won. There’s no place for sloppy execution with Army and Navy, so I don’t want to see any of it.

Photo by Mark Goldman/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

3. Legendary Coaching Showdown

As rumors spread rapidly for the fulfillment of coaching vacancies, we enter the time of the year where the idea floats that Coach Ken Niumatalolo and Coach Jeff Monken could be leaving their respective schools for a Power 5 program.

While it doesn’t appear that Coach Niumatalolo will be leaving Navy for much less than an extremely attractive offer, Coach Monken appears to be a leading candidate for a handful of jobs. I am wishing for a legendary coaching showdown this year, because it may be the last one we ever get from these two coaches on this stage.

Both coaches are likely the best each school has ever seen and we should be grateful for the years we continue to have them.

4. A Navy Win

All I want for Christmas is a Navy win.

It’s been a rough year for Navy fans. Quarterback changes. Injuries. Cancelled games. And more losses than we hoped. This year can be called a win by Navy fans everywhere if the Midshipmen can finish off the year on a good note.

Sing Second. Go Navy. Beat Army.

Maybe we’ll even get another moment like this?

(Mitchell Northam / Against All Enemies)