Found the face rub/pushing issue...

[AbsoluteApril]

So in my little retic fantasy, i grow him up quick with lots of food, but then put on the brakes to keep him from ballooning into a monster. Can it work that way?

Generally speaking for most snakes, feeding fast when young is what makes them reach a larger overall size, so no, it won't work that way.
Also most snakes will continue to grow their entire lives.