Prep talk: Matthew Torres and Chris Fields salute their moms

On Mother’s Day, let’s salute two single mothers who became their athletic sons’ No. 1 fans and stood by them through good times and bad.

Sylmar pitcher Matthew Torres tried to survive without a father after his parents separated when he was 12 years old.

“He didn’t go to any high school games,” Torres said.

Enter her mother, Roxanne, who raised four boys and a girl by multitasking and playing sports. She stepped in to help Matthew through some tough times.

“The fact that she brought me to church and learned about God made me the man I am today,” the 6-foot-3, 185-pound senior said.

Torres became the No. 1 pitcher in the Valley Mission League this season with an 8-0 record while also hitting .488. He helped Sylmar win the league title and become the No. 1 seed for the City Section Division I playoffs.

He has a secret plan planned for Sunday to greet his mother. Who doesn’t like surprises?

At Carson High, All-City quarterback Chris Fields has a mother, Shere Fletcher, who could play or coach football the way she dove headfirst into learning the sport to be at her son’s side.

Once upon a time there were difficult times in the family. Fields said the family was “impoverished.” Mom worked multiple jobs while studying, but sacrificed everything to ensure her son and daughter could have a bright future. She became a paralegal and never misses a practice or a game. She should be called “Coach Fletcher” but prefers Mom.

“I went through everything with my mom,” Fields said.

His Mother’s Day gift since the 49ers are his favorite team is a vintage Jerry Rice jersey and a trip to Santa Anita.

Many moms have spent countless hours driving, feeding, and motivating their sons and daughters through sports, despite the ups and downs.

Happy Mother’s Day to everyone.

This is a daily look at positive happenings in high school sports. To submit news, please email eric.sondheimer@latimes.com.