The 1997 Northwestern State Demons football team represented Northwestern State University as a member of the Southland Conference during the 1997 NCAA Division I-AA football season.
Led by 15th-year head coach Sam Goodwin, the Demons compiled an overall record of 8–4 with a mark of 6–1 in conference play, finishing as Southland co-champions.
Northwestern State advanced to the NCAA Division I-AA Football Championship playoffs, before losing to Eastern Washington in the first round.
The team played home games at Harry Turpin Stadium in Natchitoches, Louisiana.
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