High school football team honors Sgt. Helus, Woolsey fire victims

SIMI VALLEY, CA (FOX 11) - It was the biggest high school football game in the country on Friday night. Two undefeated schools both nationally ranked: Oaks Christian and Saint John Bosco. The teams went head-to-head in Simi Valley, but the true winner wasn't even on the field.

It doesn't happen often, but once in a while two football teams can walk off the same field winners.

"I think it's fantastic," said Lisa Adkins, mother of a Oaks Christian student. "I think it's great that both schools could come together."

Oaks Christian came into Friday night ranked 9th in the country, St. Johns Bosco, ranked #1. Royal High School hosted the game after Oaks Christian's stadium suffered damage from the Woolsey fire.

"I'm so excited," said Mary Ely Lodge, a young football fan who came to cheer on Oaks Christian. "It's been sad for the loss of all the people who died, but I'd like to thank all the first responders."

That's exactly what officials at both schools wanted to do Friday night too. Ventura County Sheriff Bill Ayub was brought to midfield for the ceremonial coin toss before the game.

"The energy around the stadium, especially after last week and the negativity, it's pretty special," Sheriff Ayub said.

St. John Bosco dominated on the field, winning 56-10, but where the numbers mattered most, was in the box office. School officials decided that 100% of the proceeds would go to the victims of the fires in Souther California and to the family of Sergeant Ron Helus, who was shot and killed at Borderline Bar and Grill.

"They're doing really well," Sheriff Ayub said. "In fact, his wife has benn really solid throughout this entire deal, and she's given me a lot of strength."

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