John Davidson, principal and head football coach at Mastery Charter School’s Lenfest campus, has been named the Philadelphia Eagles High School Coach of the Week. Davidson started at the school in 2010 as Dean of Students, when there was no athletic program and declining retention among male students.
Davidson linked the lack of varsity sports to student retention issues. “The original proposal was shot down,” Davidson said about his initial effort to start a football team. “And then in February of 2011, I had another proposal based on the retention numbers and how our students were no longer staying after the ninth grade. They were transferring to other high schools that had sports. We had a lot of extracurriculars, but we didn’t have any varsity PIAA-recognized sports.
“And then we launched varsity football and varsity basketball the next year. It evolved from that point, and our retention numbers have not decreased in young men since that day.”
The school fielded its first football team in September 2011 with 44 players, many of whom were new to the sport. Davidson recalled, “We played Jenkintown High School in the first game we ever played. We won … and then lost eight straight,” Davidson laughed. “And then won the last two. So we went 3-8 the first year, 8-3 the second year, and then 10-1 the third year and in the (Philadelphia Public League) championship game.”
Over 15 seasons, Mastery Charter North’s football program has reached the league championship game four times. Davidson has coached every game since its inception.
“I was surprised,” Davidson said of receiving the Eagles’ recognition. “It speaks volumes to just, I guess, my tenure in the position of coaching, and that someone recognized that my efforts and the time that I put in mean something to the Eagles organization.
“And the Eagles organization, they’ve been in collaboration in support of Mastery in some way, shape, or form, since I started the football program. This goes back to former Head Coach Andy Reid and the (Top Achievers program), when students who had over a certain GPA could come for lunch at the NovaCare Complex.
“I don’t think I’m where I am at Mastery in terms of the football program developing and evolving without some of the support of the Eagles. So I’m thankful. I’m humbled. Especially with all the coaches in the City of Philadelphia and the surrounding counties who I’m sure are worthy, as well. I’m appreciative that I’m acknowledged and recognized.”
The current season sees Mastery Charter North Pumas holding a 4-2 record after a recent shutout victory against Central High School. The team includes students from five different campuses: Lenfest, Thomas, Shoemaker, Pickett, and Hardy Williams.
Davidson emphasized building unity among players from different campuses through summer camps and shared activities such as a homecoming party for all campuses. He said these efforts create a unified atmosphere despite not being housed in one building.
Davidson also prioritizes character development over winning games. “The No. 1 thing I’ve always said is, ‘I’m not here to coach football. I’m here to create better young men and better young women,'” he said. “That’s the goal. Football will end one day, as we all know, but you being a great husband or wife or partner will last forever. You being a parent will last forever.
“Football will go away, and who are you? What kind of person you are post-that is super important. So my goal is to build character. Our alumni’s strong. They come back. We have businessmen. We have gentlemen working in education, gentlemen in law enforcement, gentlemen in the military. A lot of my players are across all areas of employment and their careers. So I’m thankful in this short time of only 15 years that our alumni are very strong references to student performance post-high school.”
In addition to developing athletes on the field, Davidson contributed to improvements off it by securing funding for new athletic facilities including an upgraded weight room in 2016 and a new stadium at Pickett Campus opened in spring 2024.
Kyle Epps, Athletic Director at Mastery Schools said: “Coach Davidson’s leadership has always extended beyond the field,” Epps said. “He has never wavered in holding players, coaches, and himself accountable to the highest standards, while working tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure equity for his athletes. What sets him apart is his inclusive vision; he has built a program that enriches not only the players but also the Mastery network and surrounding community.
“And the development of first-class facilities are all achievements that reflect his commitment. Most importantly, his leadership has extended beyond football creating an inclusive culture where students families and broader community feel connected supported and empowered.”
Davidson finds particular pride not just in wins but also graduation rates among his players: “It’s graduation. Seeing my senior football players get a diploma… If you play in this program and you stayed for two years or more you’re graduating… As long as I’m head coach we’re always going to do it right when it comes to Mastery North football.”
