Sixteen schools across the state have earned $5,000 each, with eyes on the $1 million grand prize

RALEIGH, NC — High school football programs across North Carolina are celebrating after winning $80,000 collectively through T-Mobile’s Friday Night 5G Lights contest, with 16 schools each earning $5,000 to bolster their athletic programs.

The contest, designed to support high school football in communities with populations under 150,000, has brought significant financial relief to rural school districts that often struggle with limited athletic budgets. Each winning school now advances to compete for T-Mobile’s $1 million grand prize, which includes a complete football field renovation, a professional-grade Gronk Fitness weight room makeover, and a trip to the SEC Championship Game.

North Carolina $5K Winners by Region

Mountain Region

• Brevard High School – Brevard (Transylvania County)
• East Wilkes High School – Ronda (Wilkes County)
• East Rutherford High School – Bostic (Rutherford County)

Piedmont Region

• Bandys High School – Catawba (Catawba County)
• East Surry High School – Pilot Mountain (Surry County)
• Forbush High School – East Bend (Yadkin County)
• Mount Airy High School – Mount Airy (Surry County)
• North Surry High School – Mount Airy (Surry County)
• Starmount High School – Boonville (Yadkin County)
• Surry Central High School – Dobson (Surry County)
• West Iredell High School – Statesville (Iredell County)

Coastal Plain Region

• Ashley High School – Wilmington (New Hanover County)
• Charles B. Aycock High School – Pikeville (Wayne County)
• Rosewood High School – Goldsboro (Wayne County)
• Spring Creek High School – Seven Springs (Wayne County)
• Swansboro High School – Swansboro (Onslow County)

What’s Next

North Carolina’s 16 winners join hundreds of schools nationwide competing for the remaining prizes. The application deadline is September 12, 2025, with additional weekly winners to be announced leading up to the final selection.

Schools interested in participating can learn more and apply at www.FridayNight5GLights.com.

For many of these rural North Carolina communities, Friday night football represents more than just a game—it’s a cornerstone of community identity. The T-Mobile investment ensures these traditions can continue thriving while providing student-athletes with improved facilities and opportunities.