Northwestern State Demons Football: A Storied History
The Northwestern State Demons college football team represents Northwestern State University as a member of the Southland Conference (SLC). The Demons compete as part of the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS). Since its inception in 1907, the program has a rich history marked by conference championships, memorable rivalries, and the distinction of producing NFL talent.
Program Overview
- First Season: 1907
- Athletic Director: Kevin Bostian
- Head Coach: Blaine McCorkle (2nd season, 1-23 record)
- Location: Natchitoches, Louisiana
- Stadium: Harry Turpin Stadium (capacity: 15,971)
- NCAA Division: Division I FCS
- Conference: Southland Conference
- Colors: Purple, white, and orange trim
- All-Time Record: 632-409-40 (.603)
Early Years and Conference Championships
Northwestern State football boasts a long and successful history, accumulating an all-time record of 632-409-40 (.603). The program has secured numerous conference championships throughout its existence:
- SIAA: 1939
- Gulf States Conference: 1953, 1957, 1958, 1962, 1966, 1972
- Gulf Star Conference: 1984
- Southland Conference: 1988, 1997, 1998, 2004
These championships reflect the program's consistent competitiveness and its ability to achieve success within its respective conferences.
Coaching Legacy
The Northwestern State football program has had 16 head coaches since the inaugural 1907 season. Three coaches - Sam Goodwin, Steve Roberts, and Scott Stoker - have guided the Demons to postseason appearances. Several coaches have led the team to conference championships: H. Prather holds the record for the most seasons coached (20), while Turpin leads in games coached (202). Goodwin is the leader in games won (102), and J. H. Griffith boasts the highest winning percentage at 0.800. In November 2023, Northwestern State officially hired Blaine McCorkle as the new head coach.
Rivalries
Rivalries are an integral part of college football, and Northwestern State has several significant rivalries that have fueled intense competition and memorable moments:
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- McNeese State: This rivalry is a highly anticipated matchup each season.
- Nicholls: Another important rivalry within the Southland Conference.
- Southeastern Louisiana: A regional rivalry that adds extra significance to the game.
- Louisiana-Monroe: A rivalry with a neighboring Louisiana university.
- Stephen F. Austin State University: A historic rivalry marked by the annual battle for Chief Caddo.
Chief Caddo Rivalry
The rivalry game against Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA) is particularly unique. Since 1961, the winner of the game has been awarded a trophy. In March 1962, SFA presented NSU with a black gum tree trunk from their campus to be carved into a statue. The black gum tree, weighing over a ton and thirty inches in diameter, was transformed into a statue of Chief Caddo, representing the historic founding of Natchitoches and Nacogdoches by Indian tribes. Harold Greene carved the statue in Logansport, dedicating over 200 hours to the project. The name “Chief Indian Caddo” was chosen to honor the ancient federation of Caddo Indian tribes that once inhabited the northern Louisiana area. The statue, standing approximately 7.6 feet tall and weighing around 320 pounds, was first contested on September 15, 1962, with Northwestern State winning 23-6. Tradition dictates that the winner of the annual NSU-SFA football game keeps Chief Caddo on their campus until the next matchup.
The intensity of this rivalry was exemplified in 1992 when the teams' mascots, Vic the Demon and Chief Brave Spirit, engaged in a fight that captured the attention of television cameras. The altercation, which resulted in Vic the Demon's head being ripped off, was eventually broken up by college police. The game was last played in 2005.
NFL Talent
Northwestern State football holds the unique distinction of being the only NCAA Division IAA/FCS member to have two NFL Rookies of the Year. In 1981, Joe Delaney, a running back for the Kansas City Chiefs, was named the AFC Rookie of the Year by UPI. Jackie Smith is an Inductee of Pro Football Hall of Fame.
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