09/21/2026
🏈💜💛 HELP US PRESERVE OUR TRADITION AND BUILD OUR FUTURE 💛💜🏈
For generations, C.T. Manley Stadium has been more than a football stadium. It has been the heart of Friday nights in Town of Leighton, a place where memories are made, traditions are passed down, and Indian pride comes alive under the lights.
The history of Colbert County High School Football is rich with success and legendary figures. The undefeated 1972 State Championship Team finished 13-0 and outscored opponents 520-109, led by quarterback Phillip Gargis and future football legend Ozzie Newsome, who went on to star at Alabama, play in the NFL, and become one of the most respected executives in professional football. Longtime coaches, including C.T. Manley, helped establish the tough, hard-working culture that has defined Colbert County football for generations.
C.T. Manley Stadium has also been the site of championship moments that will forever be part of our community's history. On December 6, 1985, Colbert County Indians defeated Dora to capture the AHSAA 5A State Championship on its home field, cementing the stadium's place as one of the most historic venues in northwest Alabama.
Today, we have an opportunity to honor that legacy while investing in the future.
Colbert County High School has entered the T-Mobile Friday Night 5G Lights Competition, giving us a chance to secure funding that could help modernize our facilities and bring C.T. Manley Field into the 21st century for future generations of students, athletes, band members, cheerleaders, and fans.
🏆 What This Means for Colbert County
✅ 1,000 schools will receive $5,000
✅ 40 Division Finalists will receive $25,000 and a T-Mobile home game celebration
✅ 4 Division Champions will receive $250,000, a Gronk Fitness Gym, and additional student recognition awards
✅ One Grand Prize Winner will receive a $1 Million Football Field & Facility Upgrade
The reality is that any level of funding would help. Whether it's $5,000 or $1 million, every dollar would support improvements that benefit our students and community for years to come. We are also welcoming donations and support from alumni, businesses, and community members who believe in preserving our tradition and investing in our future.
This isn't just about football.
It's about preserving the home of our State Champions along with the Home of the 1985 5A State Championship.
It's about honoring the players, coaches, and families who have built this program.
It's about ensuring that the current and future generations of Indians have facilities that match the pride, tradition, and excellence that Colbert County High School has always represented.
📣 How You Can Help
✅ Share this post
✅ Tag T-Mobile and Colbert County High School
✅ Use and
✅ Encourage alumni, former players, local businesses, family, and friends to donate and to get involved with this project to restore C.T. Manley Stadium by contacting the Leighton Athletic Booster Club or President Daniel Jackson for details.
Together, we can preserve our past, improve our present, and build an even brighter future.
🏈 One town. One County. One Tradition. One Future. ROLL TRIBE and GO INDIANS!
