It's down to the finer points for the Badger defense.

In his third year as Lampasas defensive coordinator, Jimmy Randolph believes his squad finally understands the multiple-set split-6 scheme. He also knows they've adopted the physical style of play, the point of emphasis a year ago.

Now, it's just a matter of getting the small stuff.

"We found the toughness and they get the system," Randolph said. "But now comes the minor points. In the third year it's about learning to fit and getting down those little technique parts that make you even better."

The process starts up front.

Lampasas allowed a mind-numbing 2,606 rushing yards last season, an average of 261 a game. That was 73 yards more per game than Lake Travis, which ranked next to last in District 25-4A, permitted.

Randolph knows those totals need to drop if Lampasas wants to win a game for the first time since 2006.

"We have got to get better up front," he said. "We've got to be able to stop people and force them to get away from the run."

The Badgers, by comparison, gave up just 104 yards passing per game in 2008 – best in the district. But that number may be skewed since teams didn't need to resort to the air.

It still doesn't change the need to improve the front seven.

Randolph will rely on Russ Seaver to help stop the run. The junior inside linebacker was one of two Lampasas first-team all-district selections on defense last year.

The Badgers lost unanimous first-team member Jonathan Vanliew at cornerback.

"Russ does great things for us," Randolph said. "He's going to be a big part of that defense."

Returners Carter Burks (defensive tackle) and defensive end Zack Carnes should help stiffen up the run defense. They'll get support from safety Brandon Abbott, who was an all-district punter a season ago.

"We like what we have coming back on defense," said first-year coach Joey McQueen. "They have potential to be a good group."

McQueen has given Randolph complete freedom. The defensive coordinator calls his plays and gets to perfect his scheme without distractions.

The Badgers almost lost Randolph when he interviewed for a head coaching job at Class 2A Twin Rivers earlier in the spring.

"Jimmy is a good one, which is why he has complete control," McQueen said. "We would have been happy for him to get a job, but we would have missed him."

Back in Central Texas, Randolph hopes to nail down technique. He knows he won't have the most powerful or the fastest kids, but he believes a scheme can overcome those deficits.

"We're not very big and we're not going to run by anyone," Randolph said. "We rely on our system which fools people. We show one thing and do another. That's why the minor details are so important."