Lavatai grew up in St. Johns, Florida and attended Creekside High School where he lettered in football and baseball.

In his high school career, Lavatai completed 124 of his 272 pass attempts for 1,772 yards, 20 touchdowns and six interceptions.

[1] Lavatai would decide to commit to play college football at the United States Naval Academy.

[7] Prior to the season, he was named to the Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Watch List.

[10] After the Week 5 game against North Texas, he was named as a candidate for the Comeback Player of the Year Award.