NEWTON, Iowa — Newton High School is competing against schools across the country for a $1 million high school football prize given by T-Mobile.

The T-Mobile’s Friday Night 5G Lights program is a national competition which recognizes high school football for its impact on the community. More than 2,100 entered nationally, including more than 60 Iowa schools. Newton HS was the only Iowa school chosen to be in the Top 25.

According to the T-Mobile FN5G website, Newton was selected due to its resurgence, with three straight playoff appearances, after facing financial hardships in previous years. “Upgraded facilities would honor that resilience and give the Cardinals a new home to carry on their proud tradition,” the website reads.

Along with the $1 million prize to upgrade their homefield, Newton HS would also receive a professional consultation with a stadium experience expert, an upgraded weight room, a tailgate party in 2026 and an all-expense-paid trip to the 2025 SEC Championship for selected school representatives.

Newton HS has already won $1,000, $5,000 and $25,000 as part of T-Mobile programs. Newton HS Head Coach Andy Swedenhjelm says the prize money they currently have will be used to make improvements to the school’s weight room. Swedenhjelm says most of the equipment was purchased in 2001 and needs replaced.

“We are extremely grateful and excited to be a part of the T-Mobile 5K Friday nights sweepstakes,” said Swedenhjelm. “We are excited to help provide some much-needed upgrades to our facilities and continue to give the students of Newton a first-class experience. We are extremely thankful to those that have helped us reach this far and are looking forward to competing for the grand prize.” 

T-Mobile will be hosting a celebration at the Newton HS Lynn Stadium October 17 at 7 p.m., where the Newton Cardinals will face off against the Grinnell Tigers. T-Mobile will be offering games, giveaways, and free concessions for attendees.

The winner will be voted on by the public, who are able to cast one vote per day from Sept. 25 to Oct. 24. The winner will be announced Oct. 30. Votes can be cast on the T-Mobile’s Friday Night 5G Lights website, which provides live voting updates. On Oct. 1, Newton HS was in tenth place.