The Red Devils have etched a victory before the football season begins. The Richmond High School football team coveted a $5,000 prize through T-Mobile’s Friday Nights 5G Lights contest. The weekly competition scored them the cash, a feature on T-Mobile’s $5K Fridays Facebook page and an on-field check presentation at an upcoming home game.
“Our athletic department initiated contact with T-Mobile after learning about the contest and the potential benefits it could bring to our students,” said RHS football coach Ronnie Hibbler. Hibbler said it felt like a great opportunity to showcase the commitment, energy and character of their athletes.
“From the beginning, our goal was to create meaningful opportunities for our players to be recognized for the work they put in year-round,” Hibbler said.
After their initial win, Hibbler says T-Mobile invited RHSF to compete for a larger prize — $25,000 — through a two-part competition. The first was an on-site event where teams participated in challenges designed to demonstrate teamwork, school spirit and overall engagement. This event was held on Tuesday, Aug. 18, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at Richmond’s T-Mobile store, 3721 E. Main St.
The second component is a social media campaign that runs through the end of August. Community members can support by sharing posts that included the designated hashtags #FN5GL, #Entry, #ShareThisPost and by tagging Richmond Red Devil Football, Richmond Community Schools, Richmond High School Athletics and T-Mobile on social media.
Hibbler explained the current earnings will be used to improve the student-athlete experience, including upgrading hydration equipment, enhancing training resources and supporting team travel throughout the season.
Apart from the financial gain, Hibbler said the contest has had a noticeably positive impact on the team.
“The players feel proud and energized, and many have expressed that the experience makes them feel recognized and valued,” Hibbler told WWN. “They enjoy the competitive nature of the event and appreciate seeing the community rally behind them.”
The Red Devils’ season begins at Connersville on Aug. 21.
A version of this article appeared in the August 19 2026 print edition of the Western Wayne News.
