Notes ‘n’ quotes ...

The final score sent shock waves throughout the South Atlantic Conference and Division II football.

Presbyterian 44, Carson-Newman 42.

The juggernaut had lost in the SAC for the first time since 1996 when Catawba beat the Eagles in Salisbury.

And with the loss, Catawba is now being mentioned as much as Carson-Newman. When fans looked at the SAC standings in Monday’s Post, there was David Bennett’s team alone at the top at 3-0, 6-0.

There was David Bennett’s team also alone at the top of the all-important South Region rankings. West Georgia moved up to second, followed by Carson-Newman, Delta State and Winston-Salem State.

Because of his team’s win, Presbyterian coach Daryl Dickey knows what kind of atmosphere will be surrounding Shuford Field Oct. 28 when Carson-Newman comes in.

“It’s going to live up to all the hype and it will be a real exciting game,” Dickey said Tuesday morning. “If we didn’t have a game that day, I’d come up and see it.”

Presbyterian won despite giving up 613 yards to Carson-Newman. But the Blue Hose, had over 500 with Todd Cunningham throwing for 440. While Dickey does not see two losses (his team is 3-2, 2-1) getting the Blue Hose into the national playoffs, there are other things to shoot for.

“The exciting thing about our season is that if Catawba should stumble against Carson-Newman and we take care of our business, we could get a share of the championship.”

Winston-Salem State looks to be a lock for its second straight CIAA title and the Rams have a punter who knows all about championships.

Chris Dinkins, a former Davie High kicker, is Kermit Blount’s punter. He started his college career with Bennett and Catawba back in 1996 when the Indians tied for the SAC little. Now, he can grab his second CIAA championship if the Rams win out.

How far apart are Catawba and Livingstone, Salisbury’s two Division II schools?

After six games, Catawba has given up just 46 points. Livingstone (0-6) has scored just 46 points.

And since we’re deep into the football season, how about some basketball?

Scooter Sherrill, who is the only local celebrity to have more stories in the Post than Liddy Dole, is getting national acclaim and he hasn’t played a game for N.C. State yet.

Street &Smith named the former West Rowan All-American the ACC’s top newcomer in its preseason publication. He’ll see his first action Nov. 22 againstJerry Tarkanian’s Fresno State club.

Street &Smith writes of Scooter: “He could be one of the more important rookies in a league with so much veteran talent.”

Don’t think for a minute that West Rowan will suffer because of Scooter’s departure. Get ready for Donte’s Inferno.

Donte Minter is the next hot prospect for Mike Gurley’s Falcons. Street &Smith lists the 6-7 inside player as one of the nation’s top juniors.

Surprisingly, North Rowan’s Bryan McCullough was not on the list despite a super summer of AAU ball. Recruiting guru Bob Gibbons has him high on his list.

Also receiving its share of preseason headlines is the Pfeiffer University’s men’s basketball team. It enters the season ranked fifth in the nation after whipping up on the Carolinas-Virginia Athletic Conference last year, going 18-0 in the league and making the Sweet 16 of the Division II playoffs. Nine players return from the 26-5 club.

Nem Sovic, who averaged more points (22) than minutes (21) last year, is a first-team All-American, while teammate Terrence Baxter is a honorable mention A-A.

New men’s coach at Livingstone, Buck Joyner, has an All-American as well. His 6-foot-8 bull Rodney Gidney was honorable mention, along with Baxter.

Trivia question: The New York Yankees have won the most World Series. Who is second?

Tickets are on sale for the Pioneer Bowl, which pits the CIAA football champion against the SIAC champ.

The game is scheduled for Dec. 16 at 1:30 p.m. in the Georgia Dome. Tickets are $15. there will also be a comedy show and a gospel extravaganza planned for the game as well. Call 1-800-236-4000 for ticket information.

After watching the Olympics, my question is, “When will they start synchronized boxing?”

I think the most stupid thing in the Olympics was the trampoline competition. Can you imagine seeing some 8-year old kid leaping on his trampoline in the backyard and being discovered as a future Olympic prospect?

Trivia Answer: The A’s have nine titles, five as the Philadelphia A’s and four in Oakland. They’re tied with St. Louis for second.

America has to be the most cynical nation in the world. When the USAbasketball team barely held on against Lithuania, no one was breathing a sigh of relief. C’mon, admit it. How many people did you hear say “I wish those jerks would’ve lost.”

Bobby Jackson always knew basketball would take him places but he never imagined anything like this.

The Salisbury native and current Sacramento King had to give a deposition before a grand jury last month in Minneapolis in a case against University of Minnesota coach Clem Haskins.

Jackson’s former coach was behind a scheme to have a tutor paid to write papers for basketball players, including Jackson.

“That was the first time I’d ever been in a courtroom and I was kind of shaken,” Jackson told the Sacramento Bee. “They weren’t after me and that was a big relief. They were basically after Clem Haskins and our academic advisor Alonzo Newby. So I was asked to testify and give the knowledge I had.

“It was a hard situation. I had to answer some questions I didn’t want to answer. But I also let them know I wasn’t going to turn my back on Clem. He has helped me out a lot. Why should I turn my back on him?”

And finally ...

I had two tough choices last week when I sat down in front of the TV:

Turn on the presidential debates and watch somebody lie or turn on baseball playoffs and watch somebody steal.

And I do believe I’ve stolen enough of your time. See ya.

Ronnie Gallagher is the sports editor of the Post.