Madison County High School is still in the running for $1 million but needs the community’s support to cross the finish line.
The school is already $35,000 richer thanks to the T-Mobile hosted Friday Night 5G Lights contest. 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.
“This contest is a great testament to our school spirit and our community support,” athletic director Tim Tryon said. “It’s the best showcase of Madison County–who we are, where we’ve been and where we’re going to go in the future.”
The T-Mobile hosted game will take place Friday, Oct. 17 which also coincides with homecoming. Madison will host Central Woodstock at 7 p.m. On this week’s Mountaineer Podcast, Tryon said T-Mobile will be at the game with free entry for the first 100 guests. The wireless company will also bring its mobile truck on-site with games, along with tents hosting giveaways.
“It’s going to generate a lot of excitement,” Tryon said. “We’ll also have all the usual things. We’ll have fireworks, the helmet, smoke and all the fun that comes with a home game in Madison County.”
It’s not just about Friday though. Madison still needs votes to get to the top spot in the contest. Folks can vote once 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.
“It would mean a lot to Madison County to win this,” podcast host and Madison Parks and Recreation Director Jerry Carpenter said. “The only way we can do this is with everyone’s support. Come to the game, support the community and the school.”
As of Wednesday, Madison is ranked 19 out of 25 with 57,092 votes, up from 43,585 last week. Rankings are updated Monday through Friday with votes from the weekly social challenges added every Friday.
