By Rick Pedone
Sports Editor

Early in the high school swimming season there have been few surprises.

Harmony and Osceola are off to strong starts and appear headed for a late-season showdown for county bragging rights.

Harmony’s boys have been unstoppable after four meets with decisive victories against Melbourne Central Catholic (122-40), Celebration (136-30), Titusville (114-72) and, Tuesday, against St. Cloud (246-58).

The Titusville win was a good indicator, Coach Terry Brown said.

“Titusville always has a powerful team, so that was a good win for our guys,” he said.

The Longhorns swept the top four spots in all but two events against St. Cloud.

The Lady Longhorns, at 3-1, are also enjoying success as they seek their sixth straight Orange Belt Conference championship.

They have wins over Melbourne Central Catholic (109-28), Celebration (117-51) and St. Cloud (191-118). The only loss came against Titusville (67-119).

The team in the best position to dethrone the Lady Longhorns is Osceola, which is 3-0 after wins against Poinciana, Celebration and University.

Coach Krystle Singleton was encouraged after beating University.

“It’s a district rival, and last year University defeated us so it was exciting to get a win against them, especially after losing 16 (swimmers) to graduation and two to moving,” she said.

Wednesday, Osceola swims against state powerhouse Olympia. Singleton is looking forward to that test.

“The girls are looking good, they are working harder than they have in the past and they have a more competitive mindset,” she said. “But, at the same time, they are super supportive of each other.”

Singleton said several members of her team have the ability to advance from the 3A-3 district meet, considered perhaps the toughest in Florida.

“I’m excited about the year. I think we’ll have a few girls go beyond districts, which in our district is huge,” she said.

St. Cloud defeated Celebration, 105-67 (boys) and 87-77 Thursday.