Coach Rake Dies
34 Year Messina Coach Calls His Last Hail Mary
Loved by Some and Loathed by others, Rake Left His Mark
The town of Messina, FL is finally at peace after the passing of the most controversial figure in its history, Coach Eddie Rake. Rake brought the town glory by leading the high school football team to the state championship 16 times and to the finals dozens more. Tens of thousands came from all over Florida to see the Spartans maul their opponents on Friday nights. Despite his penchant for winning, a dark cloud cast a shadow over the coach's career. He was forced into retirement after working his team so hard during practice that a player died of heat stroke and the coach was forced to retire. This tragic event tore the town in two. Now, with his passing, the town can begin to mend itself.