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Abington Heights tops Blue Mountain in PIAA Class 3A quarterfinal

LEHIGHTON — For more than 80 minutes, Blue Mountain built a wall that wouldn’t break.

Save after save, tackle after tackle, the District 11 champion Eagles held back wave after wave of Abington Heights pressure — a defiant stand built on grit, heart and belief.

But after more than 82-plus minutes of resistance, one last shot slipped through, ending a season defined by resilience as the Comets escaped with a 1-0 victory in Saturday’s PIAA Class 3A quarterfinal at Lehighton.

“They gutted it out tonight and gave everything they could give,” Blue Mountain head coach Chris Brauer said. “It hurts right now, but I told them that in a couple of days, the accomplishments they had — winning a sixth league title in a row and the first-ever District 11 title — will be put more in perspective.”

Senior Nico Bustos delivered the golden goal less than three minutes into overtime, lifting the District 2 champions (22-1) to the state semifinals and bringing a close to Blue Mountain’s remarkable 20-4 campaign — one that included the program’s first-ever District 11 title and sixth consecutive Schuylkill League championship.

From the opening whistle, Abington Heights applied relentless pressure. The Comets generated early corners and tested junior keeper Caden Wargo, who responded with poise and precision. Wargo turned aside a dangerous free kick from James Mitchell midway through the first half, then denied junior Joey Pivirotto twice in close. Pivirotto nearly gave Abington the lead with 14 minutes left in the half when his shot rang off the crossbar.

Despite the pressure, Blue Mountain never bent. The Eagles’ back line repeatedly cut off runs and cleared dangerous balls from in front of the goal. Senior Sean Gaddy made a pivotal tackle in the box midway through the second half to prevent a clear scoring opportunity, while teammates filled passing lanes to disrupt the Comets’ attack.

Blue Mountain created chances of its own. Senior Drew Waschko led a fast break nine minutes into the second half, taking a feed from Dylan Knittle after a perfect cross from Keenan Hall and sending a shot just high. Moments later, Knittle nearly connected off a corner, only for the Comets and goalie Billy Johnson to clear it away.

“Our defensive effort was phenomenal,” Brauer said. “Cade Wargo was incredible in goal tonight. We were fluid filling in when we needed to, finding the cover positions and repelling them time and time again. That’s all you can ask.”

The coach also reflected on the leadership of seniors Waschko, Robert Bowitz and Gaddy, who helped guide a group built mostly of juniors and sophomores.

“They’ve meant everything,” Brauer said. “Their leadership, their composure, the way they care about their teammates — that’s what has pushed this group to another level. They’ve set the bar for the younger guys.”

The match remained scoreless through regulation, with Abington Heights continuing to press. Then, less than three minutes into overtime, Bustos had a free kick sail just high — but on the next opportunity, he didn’t miss. The senior midfielder buried the game-winner with 12:25 remaining in the extra period and setting off a wild celebration.

“We knew this was going to be a grind,” Abington head coach Frank Dyska said. “It was going to come down to inches. I’m proud of how our guys kept working and stayed mentally locked in.”

Dyska praised his defense — seniors Aiden Gardner, James Mitchell and Enzo Capozzi — for keeping Blue Mountain off the board and credited Bustos for his leadership and poise.

“Nico’s been our general for a long time,” Dyska said. “Some of his best moments have come in the toughest games, and he was up for the challenge again tonight.”

Blue Mountain reached the state quarterfinals for the second time in three seasons — proof that the bar keeps rising. For Brauer, the loss didn’t define his team … it reinforced its identity.

“I’m just very proud of them,” Brauer said quietly. “Very proud of their heart, their togetherness, and how they strive for each other. They have a lot to be proud of — and a lot to look forward to.”

With only three senior starters and a deep returning core, the Eagles’ future remains bright. Many will transition to club soccer and offseason training before returning next fall, driven by the standard this team set. The Eagles may not have advanced, but they left the field having set a new standard — one defined by heart, history and the kind of togetherness that lasts beyond a single season.

The wall may have finally cracked, but only after proving just how strong it was — and how much stronger the foundation beneath it has become.