The 1988 Northwestern State Demons football team etched its place in school history as one of the most triumphant squads. Securing an impressive 10-3 record, the Demons claimed the Southland Conference championship. Spearheaded by an assertive offense averaging 34.7 points per game and a robust defense allowing a mere 19.0 points per game, the team showcased its prowess on both fronts.

Guiding the team as the offensive coordinator was Wally English, in his second season with Northwestern State following his tenure at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Renowned for his innovative offensive strategies, English championed the pass-focused spread offense, accentuating short and intermediate passes, along with the implementation of diverse formations and personnel groupings.

At the forefront of the Demons' offense stood quarterback John Stephens, exhibiting a commendable performance with 2,643 passing yards and 29 touchdowns, complemented by 412 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns, underscoring his versatility as a dual-threat quarterback. Augmenting the team's offensive strength was the impactful running back Joe Delaney, amassing 1,123 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns, bolstering the Demons' ground game.

The defensive charge was led by linebacker Mike Hebert, who tallied 125 tackles and 10 sacks, earning him the prestigious first-team All-Southland Conference recognition in 1988. Supported by defensive standouts such as Adrian Hardy at defensive tackle and Bobby Gill at safety, the Demons' defense emerged as a formidable force throughout the season.

Culminating their success was the triumph in the Southland Conference championship game, where the Demons orchestrated an impressive comeback, overcoming a 10-point deficit in the second half to seize a compelling 31-24 victory over the McNeese State Cowboys.

Even to this day, the 1988 Demons are commemorated as one of the most outstanding teams in the school's history, lauded for their exceptional talent and an immensely successful season that continues to evoke admiration from both their ardent supporters and competitors.