Saks High School football named one of 16 finalists for $2M grand prize—How to vote

Saks High School may not be the first school you think of when you think about high school football in Alabama but the team has received some national recognition recently.

T-Mobile has launched its Friday Night 5G Lights competition, giving one small town $2 million to go toward its high school football program including a stadium renovation. Last week, Saks was named as one of 16 finalists for the grand prize.

Keep reading to see how you can vote for the program + find out more about what Saks wants to do with the money if they win.

T-Mobile Friday Night 5G Lights

Saks High School is now one of 16 finalists competing for the Grand Prize that includes:

• $100,000 cash grant
• New teched-out scoreboard
• 5G network upgrades
• Ultimate tailgate party for the whole community
• 5G-powered halftime drone show
• Upgraded weight room from former NFL star Rob Gronkowski

To vote for Saks High School, head over to their Instagram page and like the pinned video. That’s all it takes!

As of Monday at noon, Saks ranked 12th, sitting more than 36,000 votes behind the leaders. (Updated standings)

Football coach Alphonso Freeney said some other finalists have gotten pushed by celebrities on social media and he is hoping to get some help from people in Alabama. He specifically mentioned Charles Barkley as well as Tremon Smith, a former Saks player who is now in the NFL.

“It would mean everything. I’m hoping it will get people talking, get some donors to put more money back in the program… maybe it’ll open people’s eyes to put money into the kids and into the community. They’ll see this and say ‘Coach is trying to get these kids what they deserve.'”

~ Alphonso Freeney, Saks football coach

$25k prize to finalists

When T-Mobile announced its competition, Freeney sent a letter to speak about why his program deserved the grand prize. He said he used two major themes in his letter: pride and community.

That letter resonated enough with those in charge to be named as a finalist which means even if it does win the grand prize, Saks will receive a $25,000 cash grant to put into their program.

Freeney said he was surprised when he learned his letter was selected but he already has some ideas about how to use the money. The $25,000 prize will mostly be used on equipment including new and safer helmets.

But with the grand prize still a possibility, Freeney cannot help but think about the possibilities. He said the stadium has not received any kind of major renovation since the 1970s but the money could help Saks get a new turf field, something many schools in the surrounding communities already have.

Any new facilities will be used by more than just the high school football program as the stadium also hosts:

• Youth football
• High school soccer
• Community events

Head to the Saks High School football Instagram page to vote! And make sure to follow The Bama Buzz on Instagram, X, Facebook + LinkedIn to get the latest updates on the competition.