GREENFIELD, Ohio — McClain High School is the only school in Ohio, and one of just 40 nationwide, still standing in a competition for a $1 million football field upgrade, and the city is asking residents to help keep it there by voting online every day through Oct. 25.
The Greenfield city government announced the Tigers’ finalist status in a social media post, urging the community to visit FridayNight5GLights.com to cast a vote for McClain. Each supporter can vote once per day for the remainder of the contest window.
The school is competing in Friday Night 5G Lights, a nationwide contest now in its third year that rewards small-town high schools for community spirit and gives one winner a complete football field renovation. Every school that reaches the top 40 earns $25,000 for its athletic program and a celebration game, while the winners of each regional bracket receive $250,000, a gym equipment upgrade and a student leadership award. The outright winner, to be chosen from among the division champions, receives the $1 million field makeover.
Public voting plays a direct role in determining which schools advance, making community turnout a factor in whether McClain’s stadium gets the upgrade. The city government’s post framed the vote as a chance to “bring a big win home to Ohio.”
McClain High School has served Greenfield since 1914 and is the only high school in the Greenfield Exempted Village Schools district, which serves roughly 500 students in grades 9-12. The Tigers, who wear purple and gold, compete in the Frontier Athletic Conference. The school’s athletic complex has long been a gathering point for the Highland County community on Friday nights, making a potential $1 million upgrade a significant stake for the town.
Voting continues daily at FridayNight5GLights.com through Oct. 25.
The information contained in this story was obtained from the city of Greenfield.
