It’s easy to see that this isn’t Bruce Rollinson’s first rodeo.

“I’ve always believed in Mater Dei football. We’re going to take an average player and make him good. We’re going to take a good player and at times he’s going to be great,” says Rollinson, head football coach at Mater Dei High School in Santa Ana.

For 30 years, he's been leading one of the most storied programs in high school football history. After seven CIF championships, two state titles and three National Championships, he's the kind of guy you imagine being the inspiration for the term “Friday Night Lights.”

They say those who can’t play, coach. But part of Rollinson’s ability to connect with his players is his personal connection to Mater Dei - his own alma mater. He graduated in 1967, and of course he played football.

But all great leaders have one thing in common, they teach. And for Rollinson - who did teach at the school for over 20 years - his players are really his students. And the game of football is really preparation for the greatest test of all, life.

“Getting a phone call for example and a boy says 'I passed the bar and it’s because of what you taught me and the work ethic you instilled in me is why I’m successful,' or, 'Coach I’m going to have a child and I’m going to bring that child up the way you taught me.' That’s what makes you come back,” says Rollinson.

Rollinson says he’s already committed to his 31st season, and the retirement rumors can be put to bed.