If you have ever played poker before, then you have probably realized that there are times that the person with the worst hand ended up winning.

We all know that having great cards increases the chances of winning, but really doesn’t guarantee the victory. The reality is if you receive a less than desirable hand that doesn’t mean that you will lose.
The Roanoke Rapids Yellow Jackets (10-1) varsity football team will travel to East Davidson (8-3) to face the Golden Eagles in the first round of the N.C. State playoffs.
The Yellow Jackets learned their destiny this past Saturday.
The NCHSAA released the 2016 playoff brackets and let’s just say they got dealt a bad hand.
The Jackets, sporting a 10-1 record, had hopes of a home game but were dealt a lower seed in the playoffs.
The Jackets finished runner-up in the Northern Carolina Conference with only one loss to Bunn, which finished undefeated in the conference, but also had one loss.
The Jackets will have to play the hand they were dealt by traveling two and a half hours away and facing a team that was 5-1 at home.
The Yellow Jackets will take on an East Davidson Offense that has scored 297 points led by running back Skyler Shewcow who has averaged 124.7 yards a game rushing.
The Golden Eagles Quarterback Nick Tobin has averaged 61.2 yards passing per game.
The Yellow Jackets Da’raj Watson has averaged 123.3 yards rushing with Quarterback Cameron Rogerson averaging 69.5 yards passing.
The Yellow Jackets have found a gem with running back Corey Jenkins who is only a sophomore. He has carried the ball quietly for 1066 yards on a 108 carries.
The one-two combination of Jenkins and Watson have worn the best of opponents down.
The Jacket defense has only allowed a total of 154 points to be scored all year where the Golden Eagles have allowed a total 217 points.
The one spot the Jackets could improve in is the amount of pressure the defensive front applies. The Jackets have yet to record a sack in 2016 but the defense has been sufficient.
The Jackets coaching staff should be commended for the efforts they have put in every game. Coach Eric McDaniels and his assistants never show all the cards they are holding and you can always expect a few surprises as they make adjustments each week after reviewing game film.
The Jackets have thrived this year on overcoming injuries, fumbles and missed opportunities. Remember, the person with the best hand does not always win.
The Jacket football team was dealt a hand that cannot be changed but the way they play it can and every hand has the potential to be a winner.
The Yellow Jackets will begin their quest for the state title in the first round of the playoffs Friday Night at 7:30 p.m.