SAN MARCOS -- Entering the fourth game of the season, first-year San Marcos High football coach Pulu Poumele said he is pleasantly surprised.

He would like to be undefeated, but starting the season 2-1 is a dramatic improvement for the Knights. Poumele, a former Oceanside defensive coordinator, knows you can't build a powerhouse in such a short amount of time.

The Knights could take a big step Friday when they face Clairemont at 7 p.m. at San Marcos. They have a chance to improve to 3-1 before entering Valley League play.

"I've been really happy with the effort of the kids," Poumele said. "I'm not sure what it was like before I was here, but I am really a student of the game. We watch a lot of film, and I believe it is important to be prepared and I've been really surprised they have taken to it and bought into that."

The bulk of the Knights' success lies has come on offense, which averages 332 yards per game. The workhorse is running back Ryan Cochrane, who has rushed for more than 100 yards in each of the first three games.

"He has done an outstanding job for us," Poumele said. "He runs hard in practice and he's got some great ability and we have been able to showcase that ability."

Cochrane has used that ability to run for 349 yards and eight touchdowns, to go with two interceptions returned for touchdowns. He said he would pick defensive back over running back if he were forced to.

"I like hitting people," Cochrane said "And I like the interceptions."

Poumele knows that if Cochrane continues his early success, more teams will key on him. So Poumele expects to use the passing game more to keep opponents honest.

"The running game and passing game is something we need to keep balanced," he said. "If you stuff eight guys in a box against any team, they will be in trouble. With what we have, we need to utilize our slots and receivers and we are working on those things."

Clairemont also enters the game with a 2-1 record, and coach Rian Floco said he likes scheduling a team like San Marcos.

"We like having a North County team on our schedule because the teams do it different up there," Floco said. "They are a little more intense -- the way it should be."

Poumele is excited to play Clairemont, which features two strong running backs.

"They are a decent team," he said. "They've got a couple stud running backs on their team and they have the ability to take it to the house if they need to and we need to make sure we keep them contained."

Contact staff writer Matt Null at mnull@nctimes.com.