The outside noise may be loud, but Deklin Pittman is focused.

The increased sense of focus is because the now junior quarterback finds himself in the starting quarterback role for the Cape Central Tigers.

After a historic season that saw the Tigers reach the state semifinal game, Pitt-man now has the keys to the offense after the graduation of Morgan Diamond.

“It’s been a lot of fun honestly,” Pittman said. “I have to walk around knowing all of these guys are going to depend on me eventually throughout the season. I have to have them on my back and have them all with me and make sure everyone is staying up and staying positive.”

This summer has a different vibe for the Tigers as they finally got a taste of success in 2022.

“Our motto right now is to go defend our district title,” Pittman said. “We just want to defend it and keep working.”

While the on-field playing time at the varsity level has been limited for Pittman over the last two seasons, the experience playing behind Diamond was valuable.

“With him having so much experience, he had a lot to tell me,” Pittman said. “He helped me out a lot with reads and knowing how to read defenses.”

When it comes to change, nerves can be a factor, but Pittman is doing his best to suppress those nerves.

“I’m a little nervous,” Pittman said. “But, it’s more excitement. I feel like it’s going to be fun to get that first game out of the way.”

Despite the nerves and excitement, Pittman is laser-focused on leading the Tigers on another playoff run.

“I just hope we can go farther than last year,” Pittman said. “I want to win a state title.”

One of the early steps in achieving that goal will be the way Pittman and the Tigers offense perform.

“I believe we’re maybe better than last year,” Pittman said. “We have linemen that are all returning and they’re very strong and smart with their blocks. We have a lot of experience and it makes it a lot easier for everybody.”

As week one nears, Pittman has begun to imagine what the August 25 home matchup with St. Charles will be like.

“I feel like it’s going to be electric,” Pittman said. “Especially with the season we just had. The first game at home will be a fun game and hopefully, we can put up a lot of points.”