Top 7 high school football players for Miamisburg Vikings

Miamisburg football has it going with Holland Field, a new 6,000-seat signature stadium on campus and a current streak of four straight postseasons. All that coincides with a throwback wing-T offense and a knockout defense since Steve Channell became the Vikings’ head coach.

But the boys in blue have a ways to go match win streak amassed by the 1932-36 Miamisburg High School teams. Playing at packed Harmon Field - which opened in 1923 - on Friday night home games, those teams put together a 37-game win streak under head coach Ray Otto.

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Channell has overseen the rejuvenation of Vikings football. But long before him Miamisburg anchored its place in area lore under the likes of Hank Schneider, Doug Schmidt and Tim Lewis. It was Schmidt who guided the Vikings to a 9-1 season in 1966. That team, which lost by only two points to Piqua late in the season, is regarded among Miamisburg’s best.

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Here’s who we consider the all-time seven best football players at Miamisburg High School, the 13th in a continuing series. Have something to say about this alphabetical list? Email your comments to sports@coxohio.com.

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Location: Miamisburg, Montgomery County.

Type: Public.

Affiliation: Greater Western Ohio Conference, National West.

Division: D-I, Region 3.

Coach: Steve Channell.

2017 season opener: Hosts Cin. Northwest, 7 p.m., Friday, Aug. 25.

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1. Clarence Bratt, RB/DB, 1951: Football career took off at the University of Wisconsin, where he was a teammate of Heisman Trophy winner and backfield mate Alan Ameche.

A two-way starter for the Badgers for three seasons. Helped Wisconsin win a Big Ten co-championship in 1952 and make its first Rose Bowl appearance, a 7-0 loss to USC.

Had a Big Ten record four INTs in a 27-0 defeat of rival Minnesota in 1954. Wisconsin was 7-2 that season with a final ranking of No. 9 by the Associated Press. A solid 6 feet and 188 pounds, selected in the 12th round of the 1955 NFL draft by the Bears.

2. David Bruton, RB/DB, 2005: Among the area's all-time best athletes. Had a combined 112 tackles, 11 INTs and 470 receiving yards as a junior and senior for then-coach Tim Lewis. Also an outstanding sprinter in the 110-meter high hurdles (13.90), 100 (10.60), 200 (21.50), 400 (48.17) and long jump (22-11).

Played four seasons at Notre Dame (2005-08) during the Charlie Weis era as a 6-2, 225-pound defensive back. A two-season Irish starter. As a senior was second on the team with 97 tackles and a team-high four INTs. Ended ND career with 214 total stops and seven INTs.

Taken in the fourth round of the 2009 NFL draft by the Broncos, where he excelled on special teams through this past season. Denver’s special teams captain for the 2013-15 seasons. In a December 2015 game against the Steelers fractured a fibula but didn’t leave until late in fourth quarter. Was on IR that season as the Broncos defeated the Panthers 24-10 in the Super Bowl.

Signed with the Redskins last year, but was placed on IR in October. Currently a free agent.

Continues to be involved with charitable events. Named the Broncos’ Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year in 2015. Fronts Bruton’s Books, which provides low-income families with children grades K-3 in the Denver area with books and tutoring at underfunded schools.

3. Wilbur Cartwright, RB/DB, 1927: An electrifying backfield presence, would be affectionately labeled Catch-Proof Cartwright, The Chief, The Buckeye Bullet and The Redskin Rambler after taking his two-way game to Miami University.

Still holds Miamisburg records for putting six TDs and scoring 44 points (eight extra points) on Franklin in 1923, averaging 23.7 yards for 11 punt returns in 1924 and getting three INTs vs. Troy in 1924. Two-time All-Ohio Class B honoree. Held Vikings’ scoring records for nearly 70 years. Led Miamisburg to a basketball state runner-up.

Career took off at Oxford, where he scored on runs of 92, 90 and 78 yards and had 344 yards rushing in a homecoming game against Ohio Wesleyan in 1930. Saved his best for Ashland, scoring five TDs and kicking an extra point for 31 points, still a Miami record. Gained 1,168 yards rushing in that magic 1930 season.

In 1958 was named to Miami’s All-Time Gridiron Greats. Inducted into Miami hall of fame in 1973.

4. Doug Hortman, RB/DB, 1979: A bruising running back who excelled during the Vikings' days in the defunct Miami Central Conference. Led Miamisburg in rushing and scoring as a junior and senior and was second team All-Ohio.

More than 250 career tackles. Affectionately nicknamed “Dr. Death” for his hard-hitting style of play. Also accomplished in the discus, placed sixth in the state meet as a senior and still holds the school record (172-9). Also qualified for state track meet in shot put. Ran the 100 yard dash in 10.1.

Signed with Pittsburgh and then-coach Jackie Sherrill. Switched to defensive end and was teammates of Dan Marino, Mark May and Hugh Green.

Remained involved in football as a co-owner of the Marshals of the now-defunct NIFL. Played indoor games at Hara Arena in 2007 after relocating from Cincinnati. Disbanded following that season.

5. Matt Muncy, RB/LB, 2002: At 6-1 and 238 pounds, was a two-way hammer for the Vikings. Gained 1,550 yards rushing as a senior to go with 62 tackles and two INTs as Miamisburg made its first postseason appearance. All-Southwest District first team and honorable mention All-Ohio. Finished with 4,323 career rushing yards and 61 TDs.

Also excelled in basketball as a four-time letter winner and baseball. Totaled 986 career points in basketball, which was the fifth best in program history when he graduated.

Became one of Ohio University’s all-time best LBs. His 203 career tackles ranked No. 2, he was fourth in career tackles for loss (39.5) and tied for seventh in career sacks (11.5). Helped Ohio with a MAC East Division title as a senior.

Signed with the Bengals as a free agent in 2007. Remained on the Bengals, Titans and Florida Tuskers (UFL) offseason or practice squads from 2007-09. Founder and co-owner of the local Renegade Warehouse, which specializes in sports performance and cross fit training.

6. Josh Myers, OL/DL, 2017: At 6-6 and nearly 300 pounds, was one of the nation's most sought-after offensive linemen as an underclassman. Verbally committed to Ohio State as a sophomore, the first in the Buckeyes' recruiting Class of 2017 to do so. Graduated early and participated in spring drills. Should be in the running for major playing time as a true freshman this coming season.

A dominator on the line for a run-heavy offense. Vikings were 34-12 in his four seasons and qualified for postseason all four years. Miamisburg was 9-2 his junior season and 10-3 as a senior. All-Ohio first team. Father and brothers also were Vikings football standouts.

7. Greg Zolman, QB, 1997: Retains many places in all significant categories for Vikings' quarterbacks after feasting on Mid-Miami League teams. His 3,199 career passing yards is No. 1 in program history.

A lefty, redshirted his first year at Vanderbilt and took over as starter midway through his redshirt freshman season. By the time he was done ranked No. 1 in Commodores history with 7,981 yards passing, a mark that was surpassed by Jay Cutler. Completed 596 career passes in 1,556 attempts (51.6 percent) and had 41 TDs. Had 2,000 yards-plus passing from 1999-2001.

Undrafted, was on the NFL practice squads of the Bills, Packers, Colts, Rams and Buccaneers from 2002-04 and played one season for the Rhein Fire in NFL Europe. Returned to Vanderbilt and obtained MBA in 2006. Maintains a successful career as a Wall Street investor.

Honorable mention: Calvin Bell, 2003; Cody Blevins, 2006; Greg Bonifay, DL, 1994; Jim Dickey, QB, 1954; Chris Flagg, RB, 1978; Doug Franklin, OL, 1967; Mark Hall, WR, 1999; Shawn Harville, RB, 1994; Bobby Heil, OL, 1949; Roy Huff, DE, 1959;

Nevin Johnston, OL, 1937; Dick Kelly, QB/RB; Rod King, WR/DB, 1981; Jack Kinderdine, 1957; Charles “Bud” Lutz, 1937; Ed McAfee, WR/DB, 1966; Bob McPherson, RB/DB, 1950; Brad Myers, 1983; Don Myers, OL, 1958; Zach Myers, 2012;

Dave Parkhurst, 1965; Dick Penwell, 1937; Doug Rice, QB/DB, 1959; Allan “Alkie” Richards, 1941; Doug Schmidt, QB/DB, 1955; Hank Schnieder, QB/RB, 1935; Mike Schnieder, 1964; Brad Sizemore, RB, 1996; Charles “Yak” Sizemore, RB, 1967;

Jeff Spaulding, 1991; Jack Van Buren, 1959; Jim Weaver, E, 1936; Dustin Williams, DB/RET, 2001; Jake Wood, OL/DL, 2005.

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