The football team from Phoenix North Canyon took the field for its home opener against Phoenix Horizon on Friday night (Aug. 26) by running through a large blow-up replica of a snake’s head, complete with menacing eyes and long, white fangs.

That’s what Rattlers do.

They know all about the saying that if you want to kill the snake, cut off its head. They aren’t about to let that happen, particularly with Conrad Hamilton taking over as head coach.

Hamilton inspired and urged his team on, and the players responded, hanging on for a 20-15 victory.

He was the former defensive coordinator at Scottsdale Chaparral, having helped the Firebirds win the Class 5A Division II state championship in 2009 and 2010.

So it should be no surprise that North Canyon will be defense-minded. The Rattlers came up with a fourth-quarter stand to keep Horizon from taking the lead, possibly for good.

Hamilton appears to be an emotional guy at times. He has to pick and choose when and how he uses it. He seemed to do a pretty good job of that in the opener, barking at some of his players when they needed it and clapping and patting them on the back when they needed it.

As important as his defense is, Hamilton also knows that his offense is important. The team showed signs of coming together as a unit.

The offense has talent. Start with Jamar Allah, the senior receiver who might be more valuable in the secondary. He has good size and speed and can catch the ball, although he was limited by leg cramps due to the heat. A handful of other players experienced the same thing.

North Canyon has some other good receivers, such as Jordin Hamilton, Stokeley Session, Conor McArthur and Bryant O’Georgia, who doubles as the team’s punter.

Tre Grant, a 6-foot-2, 165-pound junior, also has promise at quarterback. When you watch him the first few times, he doesn’t seem like much, but he grows on you. He has a decent arm and good mobility.

And don’t forget senior place-kicker Lupe Alanis, who booted a pair of field goals.

Now North Canyon goes on the road for three straight weeks, against Phoenix Sandra Day O’Connor, Glendale Mountain Ridge and Phoenix Pinnacle before returning home to face Phoenix Brophy Prep on Sept. 23.

So beware of the serpents.