Peters Takes Sprint Duel With 100-Yard ‘Knockout’ : He Also Wins 220 in Showdown With Mosley

Santa Ana Valley High School’s Paul Peters left little doubt as to who is the best sprinter in Orange County in the Falcons’ dual meet Wednesday against Santa Ana.

In his anticipated showdown with Santa Ana’s Tony Mosley in the 100- and 220-yard dashes, Peters won twice on a cold afternoon.

Peters ran the 100 in 9.7 seconds, finishing strong in the final 30 yards to hand Mosley his first loss of the season in the event. Mosley was timed in 10.0.

The runners were even for about 60 yards before Peters pulled away.

“I got out of the blocks slow, but I ran the race just like I said I would,” Peters said. “A 9.7 on this track is a good time.”

Both runners came into the meet undefeated in the sprints. It was their first meeting of the year, and Peters had predicted last week that he would win by a knockout.

Darel Newman, Santa Ana coach, said no one had gone faster than 10 seconds since the Santa Ana track was reconstructed six years ago. Clancy Edwards set the track record of 9.6 in 1973.

“This is probably the slowest track in Orange County,” Newman said. “Running a 9.7 here would be equivalent to running a 9.5 on an all-weather track.”

Peters’ victory over Mosley in the 220 was closer. Peters was clocked in 22.8, Mosley in 23.0. Mosley took an early lead, but Peters charged through the turn to gain the lead and held off the fast-charging Mosley.

“I was tired,” Peters said. “That was my fourth race, and all I wanted to do was go to sleep in the blocks.” He also won the 440 and anchored the Falcons’ winning 440 relay team.

Mosley also won the long jump (21 feet inch) and the triple jump (43-11) as the Saints swept the six field events to win the meet, 72-63.

“On this day, Paul Peters was faster,” Mosley said. “He beat me, no excuses. He runs as if he has an extra gear. He gets that extra speed from running the 440. Now I know what I’m up against next week in the league prelims.”