Coach Damian Daniels on Wheeling, Beaumont, and More

“We just have to keep the main thing the main thing”: Coach Damian Daniels on Wheeling, Beaumont, and More

After a tough loss at home, Lions Head Coach Damien Daniels graciously granted me an exclusive interview about the upcoming week in Beaumont, the game against Wheeling, and what he wants fans to know about the team heading into Beaumont and beyond. I asked the coach three questions, and here are his responses!

Firstly, I asked him about Wheeling. As we all know, we watched a Lions team push past the point of exhaustion, but it simply wasn’t enough. I asked Coach Daniels about the finish of the game, and his response was simple. “Our guys gave it everything they had…they really pushed to the end.” I absolutely agree, but I also agree that the team “...lost their focus a little at the end there.” The boys pushed until they couldn’t anymore, and it caused their overall performance to dip at the end. Thankfully, this game is just a steppingstone to the end of the season, and Coach Daniels agreed 100%.

Secondly, I asked him about the offensive performance of Tremell Gooden, who made the best of a frankly heartbreaking situation for himself, his teammate in Vincent Espinoza, and his team in general. Gooden had 66 yards on 9 attempts rushing in the first half, and continued to impress as the game wore on. Coach Daniels responded, stating “...that’s exactly why we chose him for this week.” However, he also let me know that Espinoza is expected to be back for this week’s playoff matchup with the Beaumont Renegades, who will no doubt be looking for revenge after their lone loss came from the Lions earlier this year.

Finally, I asked him the most important question… “I know you and I both believe this team is NAL Championship material. What do you want to say to fans after tonight headed into Beaumont and beyond?” “Well, we want fans to know that a game like this…that isn’t us. We have to keep the main thing the main thing.” To this statement, I 100% agree. Coach Daniels has shown us that this Lions team, when clicking, is the best in the NAL. He led the Lions to victory over Beaumont, and that win has them in this position. One bad loss doesn’t define a season, and the Lions are going to be well-prepared heading to the playoffs.

Although your Lions are on the road, there are still a couple ways to catch the game. Our sponsor Pour Decisions will be hosting a watch along on Saturday with discounts on gameday foods. If you’d rather stay home, though, the National Arena League will be streaming the game for free on their YouTube channel. Go Lions!

- Riley Bloodsworth (06/03/2025)