Football letters at Hollywood Bernstein High

Hollywood Bernstein High defensive back Damian Sanchez examines a letter of support penned by his mother. “It makes me think everything will be fine,” says Damian, 17. His mother’s words: “I just want you to know that all your dad and me want is a better life for you.” (Eric Sondheimer / Los Angeles Times)

Nov. 13, 2013 2:50 PM PT

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Bernstein Coach Masaki Matsumoto, second from left, works with Dragons players. Matsumoto asked parents to write letters of support for their sons on the team, borrowing the notion from coaches at Bothell High near Seattle. (Cheryl A. Guerrero / Los Angeles Times)

“I told the parents ... that as a young man growing up without a father it helped me that my mom told me she loved me and supported me,” says Masaki Matsumoto, center. His Bernstein Dragons are 9-1 and entering the Los Angeles City Section Division III playoffs. (Cheryl A. Guerrero / Los Angeles Times)

Dragons players give their attention to Matsumoto, 31, who estimates that 60% of the nearly 100 players on his varsity and junior varsity teams are from single-parent families. (Cheryl A. Guerrero / Los Angeles Times)