When Allentown Central Catholic High School's boys 200 medley relay team won the first event of the day in their meet against Freedom on Dec. 23, it could have been concerning for the Patriots, but with more first-place finishes than not, Freedom ultimately outscored the Vikings, 104-81.

"Central was not as much of a contender last year as they are this year. We'll have to see how it all plays out," said Patriot captain, Brandon Burnette, prior to the end of the meet.

Two of the closest individual events proved to be the 50 free, won by Freedom senior, Sam Magnan, in 22.89. Central's Gabe Castano was second in 23.17. Also, in the 200 IM, Freedom freshman, Colin Burnette, won in 2:17.10. Central's Charlie Li was second in 2:17.16, and Brandon Burnette was third in 2:17.37.

"I usually do the 100 breaststroke. This one can be more challenging, but the last time I swam it, I made districts, so I think [Coach Jon Larson] just wants me to get used to it," Brandon Burnette said.

Burnette improved on his 200 IM time by two seconds.

Regarding competing against his brother, Colin, in the same event, Brandon Burnette said, "There are things I'm good at and he's not and vice versa. When there's a competitive atmosphere, I feel like I do better. I've always been good at taking the race home, and I wanted to catch up to the kid next to me."

In other individual events, Magnan won the 200 free in 1:56.46, John McGinty took first place in diving with 232.50 points, Brandon Burnette won the 100 butterfly in 59.82, Shjon Watlington placed first in the 500 free in 5:15.55, and Colin Burnette was first in the 100 backstroke in 1:02.08.

In a down-to-the-wire relay, the last event of the day, Colin Burnette, Trevor Watlington, Cameron Bell, and Brian Seitz won the 400 free relay in 3:46.60. Central Catholic's Craig Peoples, Danny Chlebove, Zac Johnston, and Andrew Waldron came in second in 3:46.71.