Madison County High School is $30,000 richer thanks to a T-Mobile hosted nationwide contest and needs the community’s help to win the $1 million grand prize.
Earlier this month it was announced that Madison County High School was participating in T-Mobile’s Friday Night 5G Lights. The contest is the latest way T-Mobile is supporting small communities through the opportunity to win money for schools. From July 17 through Sept. 12, more than 2,100 high schools across the nation applied to be part of the competition with 450 being chosen as winners of $5K Fridays over eight weeks. Madison was selected in week six. On Sept. 25, it was revealed Madison was one of the top 25 schools in the competition, winning an additional $25,000 and a home game celebration, plus the chance to be the top school and win a $1 million field upgrade, a renovated weight room from Gronk Fitness, a consultation with stadium experience experts, an all-expenses-paid trip to the SEC Championship for 16 school representatives and a 2026 tailgate party revealing the upgrades. One finalist will also be chosen by T-Mobile employees as the T-Mobile Fan Favorite Award, winning an additional $25,000.
Athletics director Tim Tryon said he first learned about the contest last year when T-Mobile sent out an advertisement. However, he didn’t enter until this year after some friends participated in 2024 and won the first round $5,000 for their schools. He said he had no idea Madison would make it into the Top 25.
“I was speechless when T-Mobile called me to say we were one of the finalists,” Tryon said. “With that said, we did a good job of using social media and our students have been great which is the reason we are in the running for the grand prize.”
Madison’s spot in the Top 25 was announced via a video featuring four-time Super Bowl champion Rob “Gronk” Gronkowski.
“Friday nights in small-town America are pure magic with the energy, the pride and the tradition that make it so electric,” he said in a press release. “I already know these Top 25 are going to take the competition to another level, and I can’t wait to see how they rally their communities and people across the country on their mission for the million-dollar grand prize.”
“I know firsthand how much high school football means to families and entire communities,” three-time Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes added. “I grew up in a small Texas town, so seeing how hard these high schools have hustled really resonates with me. These finalists represent everything that makes the game special, and I’m proud to be part of spotlighting their stories.”
Tryon said the students are excited to be in the contest.
“They’ve shown a lot of spirit in our rallies and have been sharing their thoughts on how we should use the money if we win the grand prize,” he said. “Winning the grand prize would be amazing for our community. We love our facilities and we take good care of them, but some of them are a bit old now and need some help.”
Superintendent Anna Graham said the money would have a huge impact. A committee of students, high school staff and coaches would work together with the provided consultant to determine the best use of the funds.
“It’s been great to see the high school students rally together with so much school spirit and put our small rural school on the map,” she said.To get to the top spot, Madison needs votes. Folks can vote one per day, every day through Oct. 24. Schools also must complete weekly spirit challenges to earn bonus points. The winner will be announced Oct. 30. To vote, visit https://www.t-mobile.com/brand/friday-night-5g-lights/j. Vote once per person, per day. Currently Madison is ranked 22 out of 25 with 1,314 votes. Rankings are updated Monday through Friday with votes from the weekly social challenges added every Friday.
