It’s that time of year again. As a member of the NEMFCA Hall of Fame Nominating Committee, I am honored to introduce to you our sixth of 14 members of the NEMFCA Class of 2022 Hall of Fame.
Our sixth salute goes to one of the most feared defensive players in all of 8-a-side football, Mr. Michael Bayer. You noticed I called him sir.
Michael and his second brother Scott were both fearsome defensive players for the Mike Spiers Howells D-1 state champion team in 2003. Michael recorded 97 tackles and 16 quarterback sacks heading into the D-title game. 1 against Glen Snodgrass and his Overton Eagles. Not only that, but Michael, who had played fullback in the Howells’ backfield the previous year, switched to tight end and caught 28 of 32 passes thrown by the Bobcats that year. And those 28 receptions?
They were good for 459 yards and 9 touchdowns, a score for every 3rd time Bayer caught a pass.
Ask anyone who played Howells during Michael Bayer’s decorated career and they’ll tell you it was their worst nightmare meeting Mr. Bayer, who played much bigger than his 6-foot-2, 225-pound frame. at the level of the nose guard in defense.
People also read…
And now we proudly present to you the NEMFCA Hall of Fame bio of Michael Bayer;
MICHAEL BAYER – HOWELLS HIGH SCHOOL
Michael was one of the toughest defensemen to ever play for the Bobcats and legendary coach Mike Speirs. From 2000-2003, he walked the line of scrimmage and terrorized opposing offenses while playing a pivotal role in building a program that started the 2000s by winning 4 consecutive state titles.
During his storied prep career, Michael has been honored by Nebraska sports media and coaches many times, including: being named 1st Team All-District 3 times, 1st Team All-State 2 times, as well as being named Class D-1 Defensive Player of the Year 2003.
After graduating, Michael was selected to play in the Nebraska Shrine Bowl and was named the 2004 All-Eight All-Star Game Most Valuable Defensive Player. Huskerland Prep Report Hall of Famer Bob Jensen would also name him in the D1 All-Decade Class Team of the 2000s.
Michael finished his football career at the University of Midland, but his proudest moments as a player will always include the opportunity to play for Coach Speirs and help develop an attitude and work ethic that were key elements in the Howells football dynasty that spanned a decade.
The NEMFCA is honored to welcome him to the Hall of Fame Class of 2022.
