When John Davidson became the Dean of Students at the Mastery Charter School's Lenfest campus in Center City in 2010, the athletic program was basically nonexistent. The retention number for male students was declining after their freshman year.
He felt they were related and proposed a solution – starting a football team.
"The original proposal was shot down," said Davidson, who had previously coached football for five years at George Washington High School. "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."
With a roster of 44 first-time players, including 12 sophomores who had chosen to stay, Mastery Charter North took the field for its inaugural game on September 2, 2011.
"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."
From that beginning 15 seasons ago, Mastery Charter North's football team has experienced some success, reaching the league championship game four times. Davidson has been on the sideline for every game, and in recognition of his success both on and off the field, he is the Philadelphia Eagles High School Coach of the Week.
"I was surprised," Davidson said of the honor. "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."