October 18, 2024
Leesburg High Football Star Lavoctris ‘Muscles’ Patterson Balances Football and a 4.7 GPA
By Kyle Coppola
Leesburg High Football Star Lavoctris ‘Muscles’ Patterson Balances Football and a 4.7 GPA
LEESBURG, Fla. — Lavoctris “Muscles” Patterson, a senior at Leesburg High School, is making a name for himself as one of the most formidable student-athletes in Lake County. Standing at just 5’5″ and 170 pounds, Patterson is a powerhouse on both sides of the ball, balancing his intense athletic achievements with a stellar academic record. The 4.7 GPA standout is a linebacker and running back for the Yellow Jackets, and his grit and determination are among the best Leesburg High has ever seen.
Patterson’s versatility has been on full display throughout his high school career. Last season, he led the Yellow Jackets to a 10-2 record as the team’s lead running back, scoring 10 touchdowns and racking up 637 rushing yards. This season, Patterson transitioned primarily to defense, emerging as Leesburg’s leading linebacker with 52 tackles, though he still sees action at running back behind Carlos Villalongo.
“Muscles is the type of guy who is going to succeed in anything he puts his mind to,” said Max Tucker, his coach. “He is smart beyond his years. He personifies what a good student-athlete is all about.” Muscles is a name that Lavoctris earned as a nickname for his toughness. He’s one of the most nice and approchable guys off the field but on the field, this dude is among the hardest hitters in Lake County. He’s also one of the smartest.
Patterson’s intelligence and leadership are evident not only in his football prowess but also in his attitude off the field. Known for his infectious smile, Patterson takes immense pride in representing Leesburg High School, a place he believes is on the rise academically and athletically.
“Leesburg High means everything to me,” said Patterson. “I love representing the Yellow Jackets. Seeing what this school has become and the leadership of the program makes me proud to be a Yellow Jacket. When I throw that uniform on, I am not just representing the school but this entire community.”
Patterson and the Leesburg High Football team have defied expectations this year. “There have been a lot of people who have doubted us, but players like Muscles and Don’yea Johnson and so many guys have come together and created a great team. From the coaching staff to the community I think Leesburg is turning a lot of heads in a good way,” says head coach Frank Scott.
For Patterson he is coming into the final games of his high school career. “I just want to say that it’s been an honor to represent Leesburg High. I have nothing but good things to say about the program and administration. Principal Randolph has built an great place to go to school, learn and play. Go Jackets,” says Patterson.
With his commitment to excellence both in the classroom and on the field, Levoctris “Muscles” Patterson has one final thing off the field he is attempting to accomplish and that is to be the homecoming King at the football game this Friday evening. We wish Muscles the best of luck at that along with his future. Go Muscles!
Kyle Coppola was born in Newton, Massachusetts and received his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Communications from Curry College in 2016. After traveling to Florida on a family vacation, he decided he could not get enough of the warm weather and made the move from snowy Massachusetts to central Florida 8 years ago.
For the last decade Kyle has gained valuable experience in social media content creation, marketing and sales, writing, video production, sports announcing and even broadcasting for local radio stations, such as FM 102.9 in The Villages and FM 91.5 in Massachusetts. Every year he volunteers at The Villages Charter High School as a play-by-play sports announcer for the football games as well as a public address announcer for the basketball games, including the annual Battle at The Villages Tournament.
Outside the office Kyle is a husband and father to two beautiful girls along with their cat. In his spare time he likes to spend time with his family, travel, play golf and swim. He is also a huge sports junkie and even bigger motorsports fan and loves to attend racing events when he can.