Charles Peterson’s memory lives on through son, Spring Valley football team
Mitch Moton’s ride to Spring Valley’s final football scrimmage Friday was different than normal.
For most of the past four seasons, Moton and Charles Peterson rode together to the Vikings’ away contests, taking some of the team’s equipment. The two Spring Valley defensive assistants had their own routine, stopping at a Speedway gas station for fountain drinks and sunflower seeds before heading off to their destination.
There was usually plenty to talk about on the road trips, and things got heated at times. Moton, the team’s defensive coordinator, said the two were like the “poor man’s Skip Bayless and Shannon Sharpe” for the way they argued back and forth on topics such as Michael Jordan vs. Lebron James, Major League Baseball, South Carolina football and Dak Prescott’s ability to lead the Dallas Cowboys, their favorite NFL team.
Moton’s mind Friday was on his friend and St. Louis Cardinals baseball scout who died Sept 13 after a battle with COVID-19. Peterson was 46 years old and a former first-round draft pick by the Pittsburgh Pirates.
A visitation for Peterson was held Sunday and a celebration of life Monday at Segra Park, the home of the Columbia Fireflies. Moton was one of the speakers Monday afternoon.
“It was odd being in the truck and not having the big guy with me. We would debate life, sports and politics. You name it,” Moton said. “He works with me on the defensive side of the ball so it was odd not having him there and near Trey. I was more concerned with Trey.”
Trey Peterson is Charles’ son and starting defensive end for Spring Valley. The senior, who was one of Midlands sack leaders last season, missed just one day of practice last week and was on the field for the Vikings’ scrimmage Friday against Laurens at the Lake Murray Classic held at Chapin High School.
The matchup was made several months ago, but it was only fitting that Spring Valley was playing Laurens High — Charles Peterson had an influence on both schools.
He was a two-sport standout at Laurens and helped the Raiders to state championships in football and baseball. Laurens players had CP7 stickers on their helmets to honor Peterson, who wore No. 7 in high school.
A moment of silence was held during pre-game warm-ups, and Moton said he did a quick glance over at Trey to see his emotions. Trey Peterson bowed his head and looked to be fighting back tears during the remembrance. Once it was over, he touched his chest with his left hand and put his helmet on to resume warmups.
“He is a super, super kid and handled it well,” Moton said of Trey. “He handled the way he knew his dad would want him to handle it and he played well.
“It was important for Trey to go out and play well and he did. He tried to keep things as normal as he could. I am proud of him and his maturity level and it just shows you the upbringing Charles has had.”
Trey Peterson’s courage touched his teammates, too.
“He’s been so strong. I know I couldn’t have. He’s just kept his head level and knows that his father is in a better place,” linebacker Coby Cornelius said. “We’ve all just tried to stick together and be here for Trey and his family. We all love Coach P and I think about him every time we’re out there on the field now.”
Spring Valley opens up the regular season on Friday at Rock Hill. The Vikings’ home opener is the following week against Ridge View.
Thoughts of Peterson will no doubt be on the players’ and coaches’ minds throughout the season. Laurens’ coaching staff gave Spring Valley coach Robin Bacon extra “CP7” stickers so they can wear them this season.
“We are going to put those on our helmets, remember him and play this season for Charles,” Bacon said. “He gave everything to everybody. He is one of those people who were selfless and a great person. We are going to miss him.”
This story was originally published September 20, 2020 at 3:37 PM.
