Sam Houston head coach KC Keeler told Dave Campbell's Texas Football that Keegan Shoemaker will start at quarterback for the Bearkats against SFA in the 96th Battle of the Piney Woods. Kickoff between the two rivals is set for Saturday at 2:30 p.m. at NRG Stadium in Houston. It is likely to be the last meeting between the old rivals for the forseeable future as Sam Houston prepares for a jump up to the FBS. Shoemaker was inserted into the lineup in the Week 4 win over Texas A&M Commerce. He was 6 of 13 for 38 yards and a touchdown. 

Shoemaker is a junior from Prosper who started in the 2021 version of the Battle of the Piney Woods in place of the injured Eric Schmid. Shoemaker 16 of 29 for 222 yards and two touchdowns and one interception. He also ran for 21 yards in the 21-20 comeback win over SFA. The Bearkats are on a 10-game winning streak heading into the contest. Sam Houston leads the overall series 58-35-2. They've won 18 of the last 21 matchups.