CRESTVIEW — There’s an old saying that even a blind squirrel occasionally will find a nut.
Any so-called football expert who attempts to predict games in the preseason is much like that blind squirrel. If we are lucky, we might just find a few nuts. If we are extremely lucky, our basket will be full and we will get most of our picks right.
I guess it’s time to see if this old blind squirrel will stumble across any nuts.
Sept. 5
Crestview at Choctawhatchee: The Bulldogs travel to Fort Walton Beach looking to avenge a heart-breaking loss to the Indians in 2013. Ball security will be the key for Crestview's offense to be successful. But look for the Bulldog defense to set the tone in a Crestview win.
Sneads at Baker: Sneads will try to slow a fast-paced Gator offense as Baker opens the schedule's home portion. Doug Griffith Memorial Stadium will be rocking with a bunch of Rowdy Reptiles as Baker pounds out a win.
Sept. 12
Rickards at Crestview: The Raiders ran roughshod over the Bulldogs last year, and Rickards should again be talented. It would be easy to pick Crestview in the upset at home, but I think Rickards' athleticism wins out in a close Raider victory.
Baker at Holmes County: The Blue Devils are always tough, especially after their home field, Memorial Stadium, has hosted the Northwest Florida Rodeo. Fortunately for the Gators, the rodeo isn’t until October, so the turf should still be football ready. Baker will be ready, too, as the Gators pick up their third win of the season.
Sept. 19
Navarre at Crestview: Crestview mistakes cost the Bulldogs in a loss to the Raiders last year. The Raiders lost some big weapons from their 2013 team and the Bulldogs are in year two under Coach Tim Hatten. Crestview’s offense comes up big and the Bulldog defense stands strong in a win.
Sept. 26
Crestview at Fort Walton Beach: No team in Northwest Florida has been hit harder by transfers and graduation than Fort Walton Beach. If Coach Mike Owens were playing with a full team this would be a close game, but the Bulldogs have too many weapons against a depleted Viking squad.
Rocky Bayou Christian at Baker: The Knights are coming off their best season in the young football program's history and played the Gators close last year. But in the end, while Rocky Bayou’s offense was potent, the Knights couldn’t stop the Gators. Baker’s no huddle offense will give the Rocky Bayou defense even more problems as Baker improves to 4-0.
Oct. 3
Crestview at Leon: A 2013 win over the Lions ended Crestview’s four-game losing streak and triggered a 4-1 finish for the Bulldogs. Crestview will be a better team this year and should be comfortable playing on the road in Tallahassee. Crestview wins big to improve to 5-1.
Freeport at Baker: Jim Anderson’s Bulldog team fell on hard times last season, failing to win a game. The Gators made short work of Freeport in 2013. And while Freeport should be improved this year the Bulldogs still have a long way to go to catch up with Baker. Look for the Gators to win by at least 20 points in the District 1-1A opener.
Oct. 10
Pine Forest at Crestview: This will be the Bulldogs' final tune-up game before opening District 1-7A play. The Eagles have a history of being very athletic but somewhat undisciplined. If Crestview can play smart football, the Bulldogs should come out with a win.
North Bay Haven at Baker: As was often the case, the Gators ran wild over the Buccaneers. It should be more of the same this year as Baker notches another win of more than 20 points.
Oct. 17
Crestview at Tate: The Bulldogs travel to Gonzalez in North Escambia County for the first of their two District 1-7A games. Tate’s Wing-T offense gave Crestview problems in 2013 as the Aggies took the important district win. Look for the Bulldog defense to break Tate’s wing as Crestview takes the win and a big step toward the playoffs.
Baker at Jay: The War on Highway 4 about says it all. Not only are the Royals Baker’s biggest rival, they also are a district opponent. A win by Baker and the Gators can punch their ticket to the playoffs. This will be a close game, but Baker will wear the Royals down.
Oct. 24
Franklin County at Baker: Any good coach knows you schedule weak for Homecoming and Franklin County is that opponent. Baker alumnus and students will enjoy a week of festivities capped by a big Gator win as Baker moves to 8-0.
Oct. 31
Niceville at Crestview: Last season, the Bulldogs beat Niceville in football for the first time in 30 years, but the Eagles still ruled the roost in District 1-7A. There should be a lot of storylines heading into the Halloween game, not the least of which will be Niceville Coach John Hicks' last regular-season game before retirement.
Most people have the Eagles penciled in as district champs. I say not so fast. The Bulldogs again pull the upset, claiming their first district championship since 2002.
Northview at Baker: The Gators can claim their second straight District 1-1A title with a second consecutive win over the Chiefs. Both teams should enter the game undefeated in district play so a lot will be riding on the outcome.
Northview is probably the district's most athletic team, and if the teams were running track instead of playing football I’d go with the Chiefs. But I don’t think Northview will be able to keep up with Baker’s tempo. This will be a tight game, but Baker’s conditioning pays off with a late score for the win.
Nov. 7
Crestview at Pensacola High: The Bulldogs played probably their best game of the year against PHS last season and should be the more talented team this year. The last regular-season game is often meaningless unless a team is trying to get to .500 on the year or avoid a loss to stay above .500.
The Tigers might be more athletic than the Bulldogs, but Crestview will be more disciplined to take the win and finish the regular season 9-1.
Baker at South Walton: If not for Rocky Bayou’s stunning success in 2013, the Seahawks would be the year's Cinderella story. South Walton was able to sneak up on some teams last year, but won’t have that luxury this season.
The Seahawks played the Gators tooth and nail in 2013 before finally losing. This game could be another instant classic as the Gators win, finishing the regular season with another perfect record.
Randy Dickson is the Crestview News Bulletin’s sports editor. Email him at randyd@crestviewbulletin.com, tweet him @BigRandle, or call 682-6524.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: SIDELINE OBSERVATIONS: Picking this season's winners