Leading the offense as the full-time starter for the first time this season, Brett McGovern Brett McGovern 6'4" | 190 lbs | QB Waterloo West | 2026 State IA is holding down his starting position and has proven to be one of the more efficient quarterbacks in 5A through seven weeks.

With an unorthodox throwing motion, McGovern keeps the ball high and finds his open receivers. Give credit where it’s due — weapons like Doss, Annan and Deztin McMurrin Deztin McMurrin 6'0" | 175 lbs | WR Waterloo West | 2026 State IA make things more simple for him, and head coach Lonnie Moore and his staff do an excellent job of scheming up easy reads and throws. Don’t get it twisted, though. He shows patience and good decision making, too.

On Friday night in Cedar Rapids, he showed off how and why he’s been one of the most efficient quarterbacks in 5A so far this season. Finishing 18-of-22 (81.8%) for 195 yards, four touchdowns and no picks, McGovern was surgical against the Cougars.

McGovern waited his turn to take the controls at Waterloo West and apparently prepared well for the opportunity. After throwing one pass last season, McGovern ranks among the Class 5A quarterback leaders in most statistical categories. He’s completed 39 of 53 throws for 613 yards and seven touchdowns without an interception. He added a rushing score. McGovern has wisely posted highlights from his first three games of 2025 on his Hudl page, as he’s a senior trying to make up ground on the recruiting trail. McGovern stands out for his ball placement on attempts down the field. He drops it in the bucket, as the old-timers say. Definitely a signal caller that prefers to operate from the pocket, McGovern can keep plays alive off schedule with his legs and pick up yards when there’s an opening.