21st century Fox has huge production team behind him

It may take a village to raise a child, but in Kettle Falls, raising Lucas Fox to be a football player has been a family endeavor.

Fox’s head coach since middle school is his grandfather, Don. His youth football coach and current Bulldogs defensive coordinator is his father, Shane. In high school, he played with and drew inspiration from his older brother, Cody, and cousin Brandon Hoover. A great uncle, Steve, who taught and coached in Elko, Nev., is in his second year of filming games.

None of this could have transpired without the encouragement of his mother, Tonya Dodson, and stepfather, Mike, according to Lucas.

“Our whole family has always been big on football,” Lucas said.

The 5-foot-11, 190-pound running back/strong safety is a talent in his own right in his fourth-year as a Bulldogs starter.

“Not because he’s my grandson,” Don Fox said, “but he’s a pretty good football player.”

Last week Lucas rushed for 167 yards and scored twice, one on a pass reception, during a 15-13 win over previously unbeaten Lakeside.

In six games he has gained nearly 800 yards and has scored eight touchdowns for the 5-1 Northeast A League co-leaders. Last year he gained 1,300 yards and scored 18 TDs.

But it is Lucas’ defense that is getting him noticed by schools such as Idaho and Eastern Washington. Lucas has played strong safety and some linebacker all four years of high school. He had 95 tackles a year ago and is leading his team this year, averaging some 12 per game.

“I love defense,” Lucas said. “I love to run the ball, too, and it seems you get recognition for your offensive game. But I know it’s a totally different level at college and if I go on, it will probably be on the defensive side.”

Growing up, Lucas, Cody and Brandon were the best of friends.

“Grandpa used to call us the Muppet Show,” he said. “We were always getting into trouble.”

Having his grandfather and father as coaches has caused no undue pressure or fear of favoritism. He said they have simply kept him level-headed and “always told me to do what I want to do and they’ll guide me where I want to go.”

Where he wants to go is to another state football playoff, although with better results than last year, and to play football in college. But he won’t forget his roots – family and community are important.

“Being in a 4A school, you get a lot of recognition,” he said. “But being in a small community, you know everybody and everybody knows you. You get so much support. I’m glad I grew up in the community I did.”