In their 13th year under head coach Bob Mears,[1] the Apaches compiled a 7–4 record, won the Mission Conference South Division championship, and defeated Antelope Valley in the National Football Foundation and Hall of Fame Bowl.
14 Southwestern players were selected to the 1988 All-Mission Conference South Division football team, including six freshmen.
Defensive back Melvin McFarlin was named the Mission Conference South Division Defensive Player of the Year,[2] as well as an honorable mention All-American by J.C. Grid-Wire,[3] after recording eight interceptions in the regular season.
[4] The team was led on offense by dual-threat quarterback Anthony Rivera, wide receiver Richard Sanchez, and running backs Tony Herd and Tracy Williams.
[5] The team played its home games at DeVore Stadium in Chula Vista, California.