PHOTO BY CLAY WHITTINGTON Badgers' head coach Joey McQueen shows his offense a play during Wednesday's practice. When the Badgers take to the field tonight, it will be like looking in a mirror.

Other than the team colors, Lampasas and San Marcos are a lot alike.

Both run the slot-T on offense, both use a split six defensive scheme, and both are trying to turn around programs that have struggled in recent years.

The similarities on the field do not concern Badgers head coach Joey McQueen, however.

"It's really kind of a good thing because our defense is aware of what's happening," the coach said. "They run a little more misdirection than we do, but I think it's a plus for our kids because they know the offense."

Offensively, the Lampasas coach feels his team also has an advantage because of the familiarity with the Rattlers' defense.

San Marcos comes into the game with an 0-1 record after falling by 21 points, 41-20, to Waco University in zero week. In 2008, the Rattlers went 2-8 with one of their wins coming in Lampasas.

The Badgers' record stands at 1-1 with the loss occurring last week at Rockdale - currently the No. 10 Class 3A team in the state.

As if rebounding from a onepoint loss isn't enough motivation, the Badgers should get an extra shot of adrenaline when they step onto the field at Bobcat Stadium.

"I told the kids yesterday, 'If you can't get excited about that, then you need to stay home,' " McQueen said. "That's a playoff atmosphere there."

One player who should have no problem getting riled up is Colton Perkins.

The junior was named the fulltime quarterback after splitting series with senior Vann Millican during the first two games.

"I've been honest with both of them about the process, so it hasn't been a surprise to either of them," McQueen said of the move.

The primary reason for the switch stems from Perkins' ability to run the option better than Millican, who now will play primarily tight end.

While the Badgers have yet to complete a pass this season, Perkins showed his ability to run the ball last week in Rockdale with 82 yards on 14 carries.

With senior full back Brode DuBose sitting out for the final game of his two-game suspension, Perkins will have ample opportunity to rack up the yardage once again.

Also assuming the load for the Badgers' ground game will be Edward Hall, Tanner Mobley, Gabe Terrell and Aaron Reyna.

Despite the Badgers' straightforward game plan of running the ball, McQueen has no worries about his team being too predictable.

"That's what this offense is, it's one-dimensional," the coach said. "We want to control the ball. Yes, you want to complete some passes, but in both games we've had the opportunity to win the game with the rush."

The team's defense will continue to be critical to its success as well. In the first two games, Lampasas' opponents have scored a combined 21 points.

"Our defensive staff has done a wonderful job," McQueen said.

Last year, the Badgers' defense was the worst in the district, allowing 376 points in 10 games. No other District 25-4A team gave up more than 270 points.

With district play slowly approaching, McQueen has seen little to make him believe his Badgers can't be in the thick of the playoff hunt.

"I hope we're the nation shocker and the district shocker," the coach said. "As long as we go into games believing and we control the football and play good defense, we're going to have a shot."